Summer School 2012 Science Middle School “Cells”
Science Standard: 7.L.1.2 Compare the structures and functions of plant and animal cells, including
major organelles (cell membrane, cell wall, nucleus, chloroplasts, mitochondria, and vacuoles).
Language Objective: Student will be able to “unpack” a complex statement of many phrases and
clauses in order to address the component parts one at a time. For example, the Science Standard
above will be unpacked in the following manner:
Compare the structures of plant cells with the structures of animal cells. (Day One)
Compare the functions of plant cells with the functions of animal cells. (Day Two)
Compare cell membranes of plants with cell membranes of animals. (Day Three)
Compare cell walls of plants with cell walls of animals. (Day Four)
Compare plant cell nucleus with animal cell nucleus. (Day Five)
Compare chloroplasts with mitochondria. (Day Six)
Compare plant vacuoles with animal vacuoles. (Day Seven)
Day One:
Compare the structures of plant cells with the structures of animal cells.
Introduction to “Cells”: “Minds-On/Hands-On Activity on page 4 in “Cells” By Kathy French. Materials
needed: ruler, white paper and scissors.
Technology Integration – Discovery Education:
Introduction to “Cells”:
http://www.cellsalive.com/
http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=c2608601-6d21-42a7-9a1c-9e708ffaeef9
http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=71c9da3a-6b6b-466b-a413-f3df11bea469
http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=04b0c977-9be0-4478-a90f0c0d22156b43
http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=fc192c9a-40ab-45c5-a69a-7dcbbe3741c4
Video
http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=3242fb1e-5517-43fc-9e86-b3fbacec41ce
Interactive Game and Virtual Lab
ELA Connection:
Reading Skills:
Graphic Text Features, Word Structures, Ask Questions, Making Inferences, Drawing Conclusions and
Cause and Effect.
Content Vocabulary: cell, chromosome, cytoplasm enzyme, gene, glucose, lysosomes, metabolism,
mitosis, nucleus, organelles, oxygen, plasma, bacteria, cell membrane, cell wall, cell structure, cell
function, chloroplasts, mitochondria, vacuoles, chromosomes, oxygen, carbon dioxide, DNA,
photosynthesis, protozoan protists, amoeba, paramecium, euglena, virus,.
Vocabulary Strategies:
Vocabulary Journal entries using the following:
Use www.dictionary.com for pronunciation, definition, root, part of speech, uses.
Word Wall including the following: Word, Illustration, Definition, Translation and Use in a Sentence.
Students use American Heritage Dictionaries and www.dictionary.com for research using multi-media
or computer lab.
Students present and teach the word practicing pronunciation, reading, summarizing and
comprehension skills.
Writing Connection: Students create questions of what they want to know about cells. Post on the wall
for Q & A.
Day Two:
Compare the functions of plant cells with the functions of animal cells.
ELA Connection:
Reading Skills:
Graphic Text Features, Word Structures, Ask Questions, Making Inferences, Drawing Conclusions and
Cause and Effect.
http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=e799e106-c57b-4a72-a246-eba1e2f3a14f
“History of Cells” video
http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=00c84ba9-59d9-40c6-94a3-cccd57f43263
“The Science of Life: The Living Cell” video
Cell Facts Posted: Discussion to build background knowledge of cells.
1. Everyone starts life as a single cell. The more you grow, the more cells you have.
2. Most body cells can divide into two identical cells. These new cells can then divide over and over
again.
3. Water moves in and out of cells.
Orally read pages 2-6 using Reading Strategies and questioning strategies above including the Thinking
Map “Draw Conclusions” in Student Binder. Students read 7-9. Model Comprehension Strategy: Draw
Conclusions. “What conclusions can you draw about….?” And “Clues and Evidence” FOCUS: Functions
of cells.
Thinking Map: Compare and Contrast
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson275/compcon_chart.pdf
Writing Connection: Students write questions about unknown words on self stick notes in their journals.
Allow time for students to write the words and define in their journals using dictionaries.
Day Three:
Compare cell membranes of plants with cell membranes of animals.
Technology Integration: Discovery Education:

Discovery Education
Articles, Reading Passages
All Systems…Go! (Lex. 900)
Cell (Lex. 810)
Formed for Function (Lex. 950)
Hallett’s Comet (Lex. 1090)
Science: All About Cells (Lex. 850)
Second Sight (Lex. 1160)
Some Tough Cells (Lex. 910)
You and Your Cells (Lex. 850)
The Cell
The Cell Membrane
Let’s Wrap
The Cytoplasm
The Living Cell
ELA Connection:
Reading Skills:
Graphic Text Features, Word Structures, Ask Questions, Making Inferences, Drawing Conclusions and
Cause and Effect.
Thinking Map: Compare and Contrast
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson275/compcon_chart.pdf
Timeline Study pages 8-9 “History of the Microscope” “1590-1981” Using Thinking Map in Student
Binder called “Timeline”; students will study, chart and summarize the “History of the Microscope”.
Google images to align with facts providing background knowledge. Print if possible or illustrate for the
timeline.
LAB: If possible, visit the Science lab and/or coordinate using the lab for microscope practice and
viewing of cells.
FOCUS: Cell Membranes of plants and animals.
Writing Connection: http://classroom.jc-schools.net/read/comparison.htmlb Compare the microscope
now to 1590.
Day Four:
Compare cell walls of plants with cell walls of animals.
Technology Integration: Discovery Education:
Cell Walls and Cell Membranes
Cells: A Review
Characteristics of Cells
Life Science: The Basics: Grades 06-08
Living Things Are Composed of Cells
ELA Connection:
Reading Skills:
Graphic Text Features, Word Structures, Ask Questions, Making Inferences, Drawing Conclusions and
Cause and Effect.
“Minds on/Hands on Activity”: Page 7 in “Cells”. Students study cell diagrams on pages 13 and 17 of the book.
Each group will create their own “cells”.
Pages 12-19 “Cells” Compare and Contrast using:
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson275/compcon_chart.pdf
Writing Connection: http://classroom.jc-schools.net/read/para.html Using paragraph frame, students write what
they have learned about cells.