Grade 8 Science: Cells and Systems

Well, looks like we are integrating the ICT curricula with Science! Lets just say we are in a Grade 8 classroom; here’s something you could teach: Have students work independently in a computer lab, to complete a series of activities which review the categories of Cells and Systems that were covered in a previous lesson.

1. http://personal.tmlp.com/Jimr57/tour/cell/cell.htm. and http://www.life.uiuc.edu/plantbio/cell/
Have students visit these sites, and become familiar with the ‘Virtual Cell’, by selecting different actions, and reviewing the select parts of a cell.

2. http://www.biology.arizona.edu/cell_bio/tutorials/cells/problems.html
Students will complete the mini quizzes on the site.

3. http://www.cellsalive.com/puzzles/index.htm

Once students complete the mini quizzes, they are able to work on these Cell virtual puzzles.

Brief Rational for Computer Integration
By having the students complete these activities online, not only are they becoming more technologically confident, but it is an alternative to activities on paper, which may not suit all students’ needs. Especially in the subject of Science, a more ‘hands on’ activity is needed and technology is used in this lesson as a tool for learning, as the students are able to dissect cells – something that is hard to illustrate on paper. Also, by having the students work independently rather than in groups, each student is able to complete the activity, while allowing the teacher to identify specific needs for struggling students.

Science Outcomes:
GLO’s
1. Students will investigate and describe the role of cells within living things

SLO’s
1. Ask questions about the relationships between and among observable variables, and planinvestigations to address those questions

2. Conduct investigations into the relationships between and among observations, and gather and record qualitative and quantitative data

ICT Outcomes:
C.1 - Students will access, use and communicate information from a variety of technologies.
C.6 - Students will use technology to investigate and/or solve problems.
C.7 - Students will use electronic research techniques to construct personal knowledge and meaning.
F.6 - Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of the operating skills required in a variety of technologies.

References:

Cells Alive (2006) Cells Alive Puzzle Page. Retrieved September 26th, 2007 from http://www.cellsalive.com/puzzles/index.htm

The University of Arizona (2004). Studying Cells Tutorial. Retrieved September 26, 2007 from http://www.biology.arizona.edu/cell_bio/tutorials/cells/problems.html.

The University of Illinois (2007). Virtual Cell. Retrieved September 26, 2007 fromhttp://www.life.uiuc.edu/plantbio/cell/

The Virtual Cell Website (2003) Virtual Cell. Retrieved September 26th, 2007 from http://personal.tmlp.com/Jimr57/tour/cell/cell.htm.