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All grades  Project 4 weeks

"Cell-tastic Adventures: Adapt & Thrive!"

ALYSE D
MS-LS1-1
MS-LS1-2
MS-LS1-3
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to immerse students in the fascinating world of cells, guiding them to explore and understand the diversity and function of cellular structures through creative, hands-on projects. By engaging in activities such as the 'Cell Art Explosion' and developing cell models, students will cultivate critical thinking, self-directed learning, and academic mindset competencies. The project aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the complexity of life at the cellular level, while building students' confidence in scientific inquiry and communication. Through collaboration with peers and pre-nursing students, learners will connect classroom knowledge with real-world applications, enhancing their sense of place and identity within the scientific community. Core content will be embedded into the schedule as direct instruction, ensuring students gain foundational knowledge alongside experiential learning.

Learning goals

Students will investigate and understand the structure and function of cells, exploring how unique cellular adaptations enable specialized functions within organisms. They will develop models to describe the interactions between cellular components and body systems, using critical thinking to analyze and present evidence-based claims. Through self-directed learning and reflection, students will enhance their academic mindset and engage in meaningful dialogue with peers and community partners, fostering a sense of identity and belonging. Core content will be embedded into the daily schedule through direct instruction, including constructing detailed cell diagrams, examining cells with microscopes, and creating interactive models of body systems.
Standards
  • MS-LS1-1 - Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells, either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells.
  • MS-LS1-2 - Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function.
  • MS-LS1-3 - Use argument supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems composed of groups of cells.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Throughout the project, students will create vibrant cell art pieces for the 'Cell Art Explosion' gallery, showcasing their understanding of cell structures. They will develop detailed diagrams and interactive models of cells and body systems, with direct instruction on core content integrated into the schedule to enhance learning. For their final product, students will produce a scientific poster identifying unique cell adaptations from an unknown sample, making a claim about the tissue type and supporting it with evidence and reasoning. These products will be displayed during a 'Cell Gallery Walk' and a science fair, where students present their work to pre-nursing students, receiving feedback and demonstrating their scientific communication skills.

Launch

Start the project with a captivating 'Cell Art Explosion' event, where students use art supplies to create vibrant, abstract representations of cells. Incorporate a concise direct instruction session on cell parts and functions, ensuring students have the foundational knowledge to inform their artistic expressions. Arrange a classroom gallery to showcase their artwork, sparking curiosity and discussion about cellular structures and adaptations.

Exhibition

Students will participate in a 'Cell Gallery Walk,' showcasing their artistic cell representations and adaptations. Each exhibit will feature a written explanation, integrating core content such as cell parts, functions, and body systems, allowing visitors, including pre-nursing students, to engage with and understand the scientific concepts presented. This interactive exhibition will serve as a platform for students to articulate their findings, receive feedback, and celebrate their learning journey. Direct instruction on core content will be embedded throughout the project to ensure students are prepared to effectively communicate their understanding during the exhibition.