The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project
Animal Cell Models
Animal Cell Models
A 7th grade STEM lesson
Lee C. Nigg
May 3, 2023
Notes for teachers
Worksheet, with answers, and two videos in later slides, used at the beginning of the lesson.
Put students in groups of 3-4 max is best. This means you will have about 10 cell models in your room which is manageable space wise.
Have groups watch videos and go online for ideas for their model.
List of Materials
Standards
7.L1U1.8
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to provide evidence that all living things are made of cells, cells come from existing cells, and cells are the basic structural and functional unit of all living things.
Objectives:
S.W.B.A.T. create a model of an animal cell to include the following:
(1)Nucleus, (2)Membrane, (3)Cytoplasm, (4) Ribosomes, (5) Endoplasmic Reticulum,
(6) Golgi Apparatus, (7) Lysosomes and (8) Mitochondria
with each of the 8 parts labeled and colored and finally create a slide presentation in Google.
Agenda (4-5 days)
This lesson will take 4-5 days to complete. It takes a couple days for the groups to gather all of their materials. I communicated with the parents that we were doing this model and that their student would be asking for material. Best to start on a Wednesday or Thursday, so they have the weekend to gather materials. The times on the right are just the first day. The rest of the time is spent building.
5-10 Minutes assigning groups and getting them into groups.
25-30 Minutes watching the videos and finishing the worksheet.
(Depending on your class and number of electronic devices the worksheet can be done first individually and then have students get into groups.)
10-15 Minutes allow groups to discuss who is going to be bringing in what materials for their model.
Intro
What are all living things made of?
What are the parts of a cell and what are their functions?
Are plants and animals the same?
This week you will be working with a group to create a model of an animal cell.
Hands-on Activity Instructions
Samples of Slides Presentations
Pictures of Cell Models
Pictures of Cell Models
Assessment
Differentiation
Grouping of students is key. Group so any students that struggles with science/ technology/writing and have 2 or 3 students in their group. Also, keep in mind who will be able to bring in materials for the models.
Some groups may need more time. I allowed them to come in at recess and during library time.
Remediation
Extension/Enrichment
A great extension is to do a plant cell model and then have the students do a compare and contrast essay comparing animal and plant cells.
If you don’t have time to do the model, just have them do the following coloring/labeling sheet.