12th Grade  Lesson 45 minutes

"Tissue Tune: Memory Boosting Mnemonics"

Virginia Hoffman
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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to engage students in a collaborative, hands-on exploration of the four types of tissue through the creation of mnemonics. By working in small groups and sharing their creative strategies, students will deepen their understanding of biological concepts while developing interpersonal skills. The integration of nursing students as community partners will provide real-world context, enhancing the relevance and application of tissue knowledge in healthcare settings.

Learning goals

Students will develop creative mnemonics to enhance their understanding and retention of the four types of tissue in the human body. Through collaboration with peers and nursing students, they will gain insight into real-world applications of tissue knowledge in healthcare. The lesson aims to foster critical thinking, creativity, and interpersonal skills, culminating in a peer feedback session for refinement and reflection on the learning process.
Standards
  • NGSS - HS-LS1-2: Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.
  • Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1: Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
  • Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.5: Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.

Products

Students will collaboratively create mnemonics that creatively encapsulate the four types of tissue, which they will then present to the class. In partnership with a local nursing program, students will develop a presentation that demonstrates the real-life application of tissue knowledge in healthcare settings. Each group will refine their mnemonic based on peer feedback, resulting in a final version that is both memorable and effective for understanding complex concepts.

Launch

Begin the lesson by inviting a nursing student to share a brief story about a real-life scenario where understanding tissue types was crucial in patient care. After the story, pose the essential question to the class: How can we creatively use mnemonics to enhance memory retention and understanding of complex biological concepts such as tissue types? Encourage students to think about how these mnemonics can aid them in similar real-world situations, setting the stage for their group activity.

Exhibition

At the end of the lesson, students will present their mnemonics to the class in a gallery walk format, allowing each group to showcase their creative work. Nursing students from a local program will be invited to observe and provide insights on how these mnemonics could be applied in healthcare settings. This exhibition will conclude with a reflection session where students discuss the impact of peer feedback and real-world applications on their learning process.