Thinking Allowed

Here is a link to a quiz that you can use to check your understanding of cells.  It is brief – my advice is that you study the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and their functions, and their differences, then see how you go on the quiz.  The answers are on there too, so you can self-assess.

Quiz – cell parts and their functions

People missing next Tues for the Geo field trip – this is important for you folks to try at home.

Here are a couple of questions we will try to answer this week:

What do all cells have in common?

Why do cells differentiate?  Within the same organism, there are differences between cells – why is this?

Here’s what you need to do:-

1. In your groups, make a list of all the different types of cells you can think of (eg, red blood cell, leaf cell)
2. Each student chooses ONE cell type to research.  Draw the basic structure, state its function, describe why it is unique, and where it is found.
3. Share your findings with your group.
4. Discuss the similarities and differences between the cells you described.  Are cells more alike or more different from one another?  Are some cells more complex than others?  Which ones? 
5. Try to explain why cells have these similarities and differences.

question mark by Leo Reynolds on flickr

Take some time to click through this site to learn more about cells and their structures. 

Here is another good place to learn about cells. 

Look through each site and then leave me a comment as to which of them you preferred and WHY. 

If you find any other sites on this topic that you think would help your classmates learn, please include them in the comments too.

cheek cells by Ah Pao on flickr

This week we’ll be getting the microscopes out and you will be making your own slides of different cells.  On the link below you will find the instructions for how to do this.  I suggest you read them before class.  This will save you time in the lesson, and you will be able to make more slides

Observing cells with light microscopes

plant cells leaf by Ah Pao on flickr

Once you have made your slides, you will be expected to draw biological diagrams of what you observe.  The rubric that will be used to assess these drawings is here:

Grade 9 Rubric for the marking of scientific drawings 

microscope by biology big brother on flickr

This week we’ll be looking at the development of the cell theory.  You will need to research the contribution made by each of the following scientists, find a picture of the person or what they made or saw, then use the information to construct a timeline.  Put all that into a powerpoint or prezi presentation.  Done! 

1.      Hans and Zacharias Janssen

2.      Robert Hooke

3.      Anton Leeuwenhoek

4.      Matthias Schleiden

5.      Theodor Schwann

6.      Rudolf Virchow

7.      August Weismann

Here is some more info and the rubric that will be used to assess this activity.  Integrated Science 1 cell theory activity

macro water drop by Hypergurl on flickr

Here are the notes for the next section of the course.  Download and print if you like.  Make sure you thank Mr. Boulton for making them

Structures of Life notes