Science Camp: Frankenstein's Alive! or Not? Understanding Cell Theory
In this one week camp, students will learn about what makes something alive (cell theory), the organelles (parts) of a cell, the history of cells, how to use a microscope, and the size of cells. #academic
Corrie Ostrem, M. Ed, B.S. Elem. Ed
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(205)
What's included
5 live meetings
3 hrs 45 mins in-class hoursAssessment
Informal student feedback will be provided during class discussions and following project presentations. Parents can request a summary of their child's performance following the 5 day course if desired.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 5
Topics Covered: -Introduction to cell theory (What is a cell?) -Focus Question: What makes something alive? -Organelles of cells and their jobs - How to use a microscope (microscope parts) -History of cell theory - Size of cells (connected to math and decimals) Class Structure: Students will hear a short introduction on the day's topic, students will engage in discussion on the topic, and project directions will be provided and demonstrated. Students will show their projects during the next class. Teaching Methods and Style: Direct instruction will be used at the beginning of the lesson following a discussion to gain an overview of background knowledge from the students. I will then switch roles to facilitator as students share experiences and knowledge in the classroom. Student Interaction: Students will interact by discussion in Zoom meetings and will complete projects in class. They will then show and share their projects and learning during the meeting. Student Project Choices During Class: Day 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. Day 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! Day 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. Day 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. Experience Required: none
Learning Goals
Day 1: Objective 1: Students will specifically discuss the seven characteristics of life: Organism must be made of cells, have the ability to grow and develop, can respond and adapt to their environment, can reproduce and pass traits to offspring, can maintain homeostasis, can obtain and use energy (metabolism).
Day 1: Objective 2: "Is it Alive?" Students will identify living and non-living (biotic and abiotic) things in their home.
Day 2: Objective 3: "What are the parts of a cell?" Students will engage in a short cell play with each student being an organelle. They will help make the cell "work."
Day 3: Objective 4: A Brief History of Cells and the Microscope
Day 3: Objective 5: How use and name parts of the microscope
Day 4: Objective 6: "How big are cells? Students will connect the concept of cells in relation to decimals and negative exponents.
Day 5: Objective 7: Communicate and Express Scientific Thinking: Students will engage in class discussion and will express what they learned, still have questions about, and connections that were discovered. Extension activities will be provided for future exploration.
Other Details
Supply List
For class projects, I am very flexible with materials and hope the student may use items already found in their home. My goal is for parents to avoid purchasing materials if possible. Please review the project choices listed and decide what materials you may need. I am happy to answer any questions about supplies as needed. I encourage kids to be creative and use what they already have. Usually paper, pencils, markers, colored pencils will usually be enough for most activities. I am happy if the student thinks "outside the box" with materials. As long as they are meeting the objective, they are free to use what interests them. For collages, magazines are great, but kids can use newspapers or draw their own images. For cell cookies, I encourage kids to get sugar cookie dough, and 5-6 different kinds of candies or sprinkles to put on their cookie. These will represent the different organelles of the cell.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
On day 4, we will watch an old IBM video from 1977 on exponents. (Despite its age, I still find it to be one of the best teaching videos I have ever seen to explain this concept.) This is the Youtube video link: https://youtu.be/0fKBhvDjuy0
Joined July, 2020
5.0
205reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Montana Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from Montana State University Billings
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Montana State University Billings
Hello Learners! My name is Corrie Bowman Ostrem and I have been a full-time, certified teacher for 24 years teaching grades 2-7. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Montana State University-Billings. I specialize in Gifted education and have extensive experience with math and science curriculums in these grade levels. I have taught grade K-12 as a substitute teacher prior to my regular teaching career. Additionally, I have worked as a private tutor over the last 10 years and have taught for an online ESL learning company in China for the two years. My experience teaching has been in both the state of Arizona and Montana, and at a private bilingual German/ English school in Berlin, Germany (3 years). I have extensive knowledge and training in the Common Core Curriculum and standardized testing platforms, but also have a great passion for extending the learning and creativity of gifted and motivated students. I have successfully taught over 3,500 lessons online to students from around the world. After school, I have coached math clubs, science bowls, science fairs, foreign language, art, film, architecture, and game-based clubs.
I have extensive experience teaching the full elementary spectrum of standards including the subjects of math, science, language arts, writing, reading, social studies, and art. My passions are in math and science fields, although I typically use a cross curricular approach to integrate all the subject areas into lessons. I believe in student choice and passion-based learning and am willing to tailor my teaching based on student interest or need. I believe all content and standards can be taught in a fun, interactive, and engaging themes, making learning much more fun and memorable. I have a strong desire to help kids reach their full potential and strive to provide opportunities for students to dive deeper into topics, go beyond the typical classroom standards, and develop a love of learning at an early age.
Personally, I am a wife, mother, and dog-mom. I love the outdoors and can often be found boating, fishing, or camping. I have a son, two step sons, and two enormous labrador retrievers who keep me as busy as my children! Education is both a passion and hobby for me. I love my job and could not see myself doing anything else as a career! I hope to see you in the classroom soon!Reviews
Live Group Class
$95
for 5 classes5x per week, 1 week
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-11
3-9 learners per class
