1-Pager
High School Grade  Project 5 weeks

Bio Standards: Real World Adventure!

Caren W
LS.Bio.1.1
LS.Bio.1.2
LS.Bio.1.3
LS.Bio.1.4
LS.Bio.1.5
+ 5 more
1-pager

Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to immerse high school students in the dynamic world of cellular biology through hands-on, project-based activities that connect scientific principles to real-world applications. By engaging in collaborative experiments, building interactive models, and participating in a BioExpo, students will deepen their understanding of macromolecules, enzyme activity, and cellular processes. This approach not only fulfills key biology standards but also fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, preparing students to tackle complex biological challenges and appreciate the relevance of biology in everyday life.

Learning goals

Students will explore and understand the intricate relationships between the structures and functions of macromolecules and their impact on cellular processes. They will investigate enzyme catalysis and environmental effects on enzyme activity, utilizing real-world lab experiments to deepen their comprehension. By comparing prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, students will grasp the complexity and functionality of cellular structures. Through modeling and experimentation, they will illustrate how cellular processes like photosynthesis and cellular respiration transform energy, and how cellular division and differentiation contribute to growth and homeostasis.
Standards
  • LS.Bio.1.1 - Construct an explanation to illustrate relationships between structure and function of major macromolecules essential for life.
  • LS.Bio.1.2 - Carry out investigations to illustrate how enzymes act as catalysts for biochemical reactions and how environmental factors affect enzyme activity.
  • LS.Bio.1.3 - Use models to explain how the structure of organelles determines its function and supports overall cell processes.
  • LS.Bio.1.4 - Construct explanations to compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in terms of structures and degree of complexity.
  • LS.Bio.1.5 - Construct an explanation to summarize how DNA and RNA direct the synthesis of proteins.
  • LS.Bio.2.1 - Use models to illustrate how cellular division results in the reproduction, growth, and repair of organisms.
  • LS.Bio.2.2 - Construct an explanation to illustrate that proteins regulate gene expression resulting in cellular differentiation, specialized cells with specific functions, and uncontrolled cell growth.
  • LS.Bio.3.1 - Carry out investigations to explain how homeostasis is maintained through feedback mechanisms.
  • LS.Bio.3.2 - Use models to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into chemical energy.
  • LS.Bio.3.3 - Use models to illustrate how cellular respiration [aerobic and anaerobic] transforms chemical energy into ATP.

Products

Students will design and construct interactive 3D models of cellular organelles using recycled materials, which will be showcased at the BioExpo. They will also create digital animations illustrating photosynthesis and cellular respiration, emphasizing energy transformation, and present these to healthcare professionals for feedback. Additionally, students will develop infographics comparing prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, highlighting structural differences and complexity, to be displayed on digital screens during the BioExpo. Finally, students will produce a short documentary film exploring enzyme catalysis, featuring interviews with local biology experts, to be screened at the BioExpo.

Launch

Kick off the learning experience with a dynamic 'BioHackathon' where students form teams to tackle real-world biological challenges. Encourage them to brainstorm and prototype innovative solutions using their understanding of macromolecules and cellular processes. This collaborative event will set the stage for the project, fostering creativity and critical thinking from the outset.

Exhibition

Students will showcase their projects at the 'BioExpo,' a dynamic event featuring posters and digital presentations. They will engage with local healthcare professionals who provide feedback and insights, linking student work to real-world applications. Interactive 3D models, digital animations, infographics, and a documentary film will be displayed, offering a comprehensive view of students' explorations into cellular processes and macromolecules. This exhibition serves as a platform for students to share their findings and gain valuable perspectives from experts in the field.