*This is a flexible schedule class.  This means there are NO LIVE MEETINGS.  

Are you interested in learning more about the cell from a hands-on approach?  Get ready by doing your own experiments at home!   Students can work at their own pace throughout the labs and get the most out of the material. I will provide the step-by-step procedures through videos sent at the beginning of each week.  Students will watch the videos via an interactive presentation that includes an introduction to the labs.  Students will also be provided with the lab handouts each week.  Students will be using household items to complete their experiments.   A more detailed supply list is given below. I will talk and ask questions about the cell while doing the experiments. Students should post their answers to the questions in the classroom so others can respond. Students can share pictures as well by posting them in the classroom.  Other students and myself can comment and share too! No previous knowledge required!

Schedule -
Week 1: Nerve Cell Lab

Students will be introduced to the many different types of cells and cell specialization. 
I will specifically discuss the neuron in detail.

How do you know when your hand touches something?  How do you know if something brushes against your shoulder? Do you think you have the same number of nerves in every part of your body? 
In this lab, students will make predictions about which part of their body is most sensitive, then test their hypothesis! Using only a ruler, paperclip, and pencil, students will be able to do the experiment and record their data on the handout provided.  Analysis and conclusion questions are included at the end. 


Week 2: Cell Membrane Bubble Lab

Students will play with bubbles to understand the structure of the semipermeable cell membrane!
Students will learn 6 different cell concepts using only 4 bendable straws, shallow tray, string, and a bubble solution
Students can use the handout to describe the cell concept and how the bubble was used to model it. 


Week 3: Edible Jell-O Cell Lab

Students will be introduced to the different parts of a cell and their structure.  This projects lets the students make an edible, 3-D model of an animal cell. The various organelles of the cell are represented by fruits and candies. When you've finished making your cell and writing about it, you can eat it! I will provide a handout to help students plan out their cell. 

Week 4: Cell Analogy Lab

I will use the example of a business or company as my cell analogy to compare the various organelles and their functions.  At the end of the video students will be given a list of analogies they can use to compare their cell.  Some examples include: a school, a city, a car, an amusement park, Disney World, Santa's Workshop, a home, Minecraft and more.  They may also choose an analogy that is not on the list as long as it is OK by the teacher!  Each student will choose a different creative analogy to draw and represent the cell and its different organelles. For example, the mitochondria is like the engine of a car.  Handouts will be provided to help the students decide on what could represent each organelle in their picture.

Students will draw their analogy that represents the cell. Students should label the parts that represent the cell organelles. Include as many cell parts as you can!