Wow! All About Cells: Part 1

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

7

Overview

Students will use evidence and reasoning to construct an explanation describing the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. During this learning experience, the students will watch a video from Britannica Middle School to learn more about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and add the information to their K-W-L chart. The activity culminates with a class discussion of the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

This learning activity was created as a result of the ALEX - Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) Resource Development Summit.

Phase

Before/Engage
Science (2015) Grade(s): 7

SC15.7.2

Gather and synthesize information to explain how prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ in structure and function, including the methods of asexual and sexual reproduction.

UP:SC15.7.2

Vocabulary

  • Cell
  • Prokaryotic cells
  • Eukaryotic cells
  • Structure
  • Function
  • Asexual reproduction
  • Sexual reproduction
  • Mitosis
  • Meiosis
  • Chromosome
  • DNA

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Prokaryotic cells are microscopic, single-celled organisms that have neither a distinct nucleus with a membrane nor other specialized organelles.
  • Prokaryotes include the bacteria and cyanobacteria.
  • The function of prokaryotic cells.
  • The reproductive methods of prokaryotic cells.
  • Eukaryotic cells consist of a cell or cells in which the genetic material is DNA in the form of chromosomes contained within a distinct nucleus.
  • Eukaryotes include all living organisms other than the eubacteria and archaebacteria.
  • The function of eukaryotic cells.
  • The reproductive methods of eukaryotic cells.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Obtain information about cells, including structure, function, and method of reproduction, from published, grade-level appropriate material from multiple sources.
  • Determine and describe whether the gathered information is relevant.
  • Use information to explain how prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ in structure and function, as well as method of reproduction.

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Crosscutting Concepts

Structure and Function

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to gather information that explains how prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are different. 

I CAN describe prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Activity Details

The teacher will model how to create a K-W-L Chart for students to use during the activity. The students will draw the organizer in their notebooks by creating 3 columns. The teacher can model this strategy on their interactive whiteboard or chart paper. Have students complete "K-What I Know" and the  "W- What I Want to Know" as a class.

After students have completed the task, the teacher will direct students to watch the video on prokaryotes using the AVL. The teacher can find the video by searching "prokaryote" on the Britannica School and then clicking on Reading Level 3. Use the "video" tab to find the video.

Assessment Strategies

The students will work independently to complete the "L - What I Learned" column on their K-W-L Chart. Students will write at least 3 things they learned in the "L" column. Then the teacher will begin a class discussion to answer the question “What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?”

Acceleration

Students will demonstrate their knowledge of the K-W-L Chart to expand their understanding of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Students will find, read and annotate other articles using the AVL, focusing on the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. 

Intervention

Students will use Think-Pair-Share Strategy to discuss their K-W-L Chart with a classmate. The teacher will facilitate this process.

Background / Preparation

Background Knowledge :

1. Students should have general knowledge of The Cell Theory. 

2. The teacher can use this resource to provide students with background knowledge of The Cell Theory.

Teacher Preparation: 

The teacher should review the article and video prior to the activity.  The teacher can find the video by going to the AVL homepage, selecting the MIddle School tab, scrolling down to and clicking on Britanica School Middle, and searching "prokaryote".  Next, select Reading Level 3 and use the "video" tab to find the video.

Learning Activity (Before)

Wow! All About Cells: Part 1

Total Duration

0 to 15 Minutes

Learning Activity (During)

Wow! Let's Explore Cells

Learning Activity (After)

Wow! Let's Explain Cells

Materials and Resources

Teacher: Interactive Whiteboard, Internet Access, Digital Device (laptop/desktop/etc.)

Students: Pencil, and Paper or Notebook

Britannica Middle School accessed through the Alabama Virtual Library (AVL)
https://www.avl.lib.al.us/

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

Tina Lewis
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