Course Overview: 
During this 4 week course, students will be introduced to many of the Next Generation Science Standards for 5-7th grades. The goal of the course is to provide both a deep conceptual understanding of cell theory, what makes something alive, cells and their organelles, the general sizes of cells, the history of microbiology, and how to use science tools like a microscope. Students will learn to differentiate between biotic and abiotic matter and will learn about some of the major historic discoveries that have lead to vaccines, and immunology. Students will be shown how to prepare microscope slides and given tips on how to effectively use a microscope. The size of cells will also be connected to math in regards to decimal place values and powers of ten. 

The structure for each week in the course is as follows: 
-Each week, the teacher will provide short instructional videos and related practice activities focusing on the week's new concepts. 

Topics for each week: 
Week1: What makes something alive? Biotic vs. Abiotic Matter
Week 2: What is a cell? Learning about cells and their organelles
Week 3: History of microbiology and the major discoveries that have changed the world.
Week4: Understanding the size of cells: How small is small? Using a microscope to see tiny things.

-Students will view the weekly video instruction, complete a project of their choice (a menu provided each week for the student to choose from), and then submit a video or photo of the project before the end of the week. Projects and videos will be posted in the classroom for all participants to see. This student choice project will provide the student an opportunity to demonstrate his or her learning in a creative way and will serve as an assessment for that week. Students will view and comment on their peer's project and creative work. Collaboration and comments on others work will be required. Students should gain further understanding of the concepts by watching their peers explain the material in a student-friendly way. They can share their challenges and successes together, as well as highlight their most common misunderstandings or misconceptions. The goal is to have a gallery posted of student projects, each providing further opportunities for exposure to the topics.

-Students are allowed to post any questions they might have with the assignments in the classroom feed for teacher or classmate response and feedback at any time. 


This structure will continue for all 4 weeks of the course. Viewing the video lessons will take no more than 30 minutes per week. The weekly project is expected to take between 60-120 minutes. Students should, therefore, expect to invest around 1.5-2.5 hours per week on this course. 

Background Information:
There is no required background knowledge for this course.

Student Project Choices During Class: 

Week 1: Is Frankenstein Alive? 
         Choice 1: Draw a picture of your own Frankenstein labeling parts of him that are alive or not. (Try to include the elements of all 7 
                         requirements for life.)
        Choice 2: Write an argument for wether or not you think he is alive. You will read your scientific argument during the next class. (1-3 
                         paragraphs)
        Choice 3: Make a collage of biotic and abiotic things found in your home.

Week 2: Cell Organelles
         Choice 1: Make a cell cookie. Make a sugar cookie using dough and various candies to represent the organelles of a cell. You can 
                         show us a picture or the cookie itself in the next class. Be prepared to name each candy organelle. 
         Choice 2: Draw or construct a cell factory. Use your artistic or engineering abilities to create a "cell factory" that shows how each of 
                          the organelles help to do work and get the job done! 

Week 3: Make a timeline for the discovery of the cell. Students will do some of their own exploration and discovery into cell history, 
              specific scientists, or the invention of the microscope. (Parents may need to help with research or monitor web searches.) 
              Students can use any medium (drawing, writing, magazine images etc.) to create their own timeline.

Week 4: Students will practice writing cell sizes in decimal and scientific notation. Sample problems will be provided. This project may be 
              difficult for younger learners without the previous math background knowledge. Different levels of problems will be provided to 
              accommodate math ability. The student may choose the project that is best suited for them.