INTRODUCTION TO THE CELL

Introduction

INTRODUCTION TO THE CELL 

Cells are the Starting Point

All living organisms on Earth are divided in pieces called cells. There are smaller pieces to cells that include proteins and organelles. There are also larger pieces called tissues and systems. Cells are small compartments that hold all of the biological equipment necessary to keep an organism alive and successful on Earth.

A main purpose of a cell is to organize. Cells hold a variety of pieces and each cell has a different set of functions. It is easier for an organism to grow and survive when cells are present. If you were only made of one cell, you would only be able to grow to a certain size. You don't find single cells that are as large as a cow. Also, if you were only one cell you couldn't have a nervous system, no muscles for movement, and using the internet would be out of the question. The trillions of cells in your body make your life possible.

Process

What to do?

  1. Click on Chapter 3: Cell Structures and Functions website and read. Print out ‘Testing Yourself’ and answer them correctly.
  2. Print out the activity worksheet on the cell structure and answer them.
  3. Click on Membrane Structure and Function website and read. Print out ‘Testing Yourself’ and answer them correctly.

In the classroom...

  1. Click on the Build-A-Membrane website and print out the activity sheets. Together with your group mates follow the instructions on how to build a portion of a cell membrane by following the instructions on the student pages.
Evaluation

Evaluation

Testing Yourself Questionnaire

Activity Worksheet – Labeling

Classroom Activity

Conclusion

Upon the completion of this project,  the students will know cell structures and functions including the importance of cell membrane in cell sustainability. 

Credits

Links to all materials are provided in the Process portion of this WebQuest.

Teacher Page

Teacher notes:


You may print and copy the Activity Sheet and Word Find for students before beginning the activity. Students will need to know how to click on links and use the "Back" buttons on the toolbar.

You may want to do a lesson to introduce the tool bar and how it is used and show how the tools on the tool bar are to be used.