Learning Unit One - The Cell: Microscopic Wonder
Designed by Dolores Holmes
Harborside Middle School, Milford, CT
Written with the CT Distance Learning Consortium and Central CT State University, 2001
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Introduction
For most people, exploring nature and the living things within it is an appealing adventure. Curiosity about living things is what made early scientists like Robert Hooke want to know more about their structure - down to their tiniest unit, the cell. The cell is the basic unit of structure and function for all living organisms. We also know, because of the invention of the microscope and centuries of research, that cells have a common structure.
As part of an extra credit project for Science class, you have chosen to "job shadow" your older cousin who is a researcher in the cytology laboratory at the local university. You have decided to increase your knowledge of cell biology before your day in the lab. Therefore you want to: assess your prior knowledge of cells, learn about the history of microscopes, research how to view cells under a microscope, and recognize the basic structure of various types of cells.
Instructional Objectives
1. Review information about the history and workings of compound and electron scanning microscopes. Become familiar with the basic parts of each and the principle upon which each operates. Write an essay explaining the impact of the microscope on mankind.
2. Be able to prepare your own wet mount slide to view under a compound microscope at school.
3. Investigate the basic structure of the cell, including the function of its organelles. Construct a cell model and assess your knowledge of cell structure.
These objectives are aligned with the CT K12 Framework, Curricular Goals and Standards, Science Grades 5-8 - Students will recognize important contributions to the advancement of science, mathematics and technology that have been made by men and women in different cultures at different times; and - Students will be able to identify similarities and differences that characterize different types of cells.
Assess and Activate your Knowledge about Cells
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Before your trip to the university laboratory you try to remember all you have already learned about cells. Assess your prior knowledge of cells by completing the K and W part of the chart. Continue to fill in the L column (What you have learned.) as you do background research. |
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Activity #1
You already know that most cells cannot be seen with the unaided eye. But what was the technology that opened the doors for discovery for cell biologists? Research the history of the microscope by reviewing the web sites listed below. Then write an five paragraph essay explaining the impact of the microscope on mankind and how increasing improvements to the microscope further advanced science.
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/java/electronmicroscopy/magnify1/index.html
http://microscopy.fsu.edu/optics/intelplay/Simulator/index.html
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Organize the information you collect using the legs of the Spider Map. Each leg should represent a subtopic which describes the impact of the microscope on mankind |
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Next, use the information you organized
with your SpiderMap to write your report.
Use the ReportMap at the left top as a guide. Go to the WebWriting button at the left menu bar and click on Basic Writing Skills for PowerPoint presentations on the writing process. |
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Activity #2
Your cousin has told you that you will be looking at slides of various cells using the laboratory's powerful compound microscope and also its Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). You realize that you need to "brush up" on parts of the compound microscope and how to operate one.
Click on these links before performing the Laboratory Activity: How to Use a Microscope (provided by your teacher) with a partner in school.
http://www.kent.wednet.edu/staff/rlynch/sci_class/chap02/Images/microscope2.gif
http://mos.org/sln/SEM/gallery/archive/animals.html
http://www.mos.org/sln/SEM/gallery.html
http://www.denniskunkel.com/ (at top click Education, then Zoom)
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Activity #3
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Inside each cell are the structures that make its survival possible. It is hard to beleive that these miniature "organs" (called organelles) have their own role to play in the healthy functioning of a living cell. Find information about the basic structure of animal cells and research the function of each part. Be able to relate the role of each to one of the main life processes (respiration, response, reproduction, metabolism, growth). Now you can have some fun constructing a cell model to check your understanding of this information.
Use the images and information from the links below to learn cell structure and make a cell model.
http://www.kent.wednet.edu/staff/rlynch/sci_class/chap02/cell_parts.html
http://www.cellsalive.com/ (Click on Animal Cell)
Assessment
Background Knowledge. Complete the K-W-L chart that you began earlier. Make sure to fill in all the new information about cells that you have learned!
Activity# 1. Use the Assessment rubric given to evaluate your essay regarding "The Impact of the Microscope on Mankind".
Activity #2. Have you been able to view slides using a compound microscope? Write the steps involved and draw a diagram with labels showing the steps you took for this task.
Activity #3. Cell Model Is your cell model complete, accurately drawn and labeled?
Self-Test - Take a self-test of your knowledge of cell structure now by clicking on the Questions button at the menu bar on the left.
