Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will have a deeper understanding of the structure and function of cells in living organisms.
Materials and Prep
- Microscope
- Glass slides
- Microscope coverslips
- Onion slice
- Water
- Pen and paper for notes
Prior knowledge of basic cell structure is helpful but not required.
Activities
- Prepare a wet mount slide of an onion slice and observe it under the microscope. Draw and label the different parts of the cell.
- Research and create a poster comparing plant and animal cells. Include differences and similarities in structure and function.
- Watch a video on cell division and take notes on the different stages of the cell cycle.
Talking Points
- Cells are the basic building blocks of life. They are like tiny factories that carry out specific functions within an organism.
"Imagine cells as the workers in a busy city, each with its own job to keep the city running smoothly."
- Cells have different organelles that perform specific functions. For example, the nucleus is like the control center of the cell, containing genetic information.
"Think of the nucleus as the brain of the cell, controlling all its activities."
- Cells can be specialized for different tasks in multicellular organisms. Muscle cells are designed for contraction, while nerve cells are specialized for transmitting signals.
"Just like in a team, each player has a specific role to play to ensure the team's success."