Cellular Structures and Their Functions

[AndrikopoulosD]

Topic: Cellular Structures and Their Functions
Learning Objective:
Students will explain the structure and function of different organelles in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, compare plant and animal cells, and analyze the role of each organelle in maintaining life processes.
Duration:
60 minutes (divided into pre-class, in-class, and post-class activities)
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Pre-Class Activities (At Home)
1. Watch a Video (15 min)
o Students watch a teacher-recommended YouTube video or an interactive simulation explaining the structure and function of cell organelles (nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, ER, etc.).
o They take notes using a guided worksheet (e.g., “What is the function of the mitochondria?”).
2. Explore an Interactive Cell Model (10 min)
o Students interact with a 3D virtual model of a cell (e.g., via PhET simulation or a similar tool).
o They identify and label organelles.
3. Pre-Class Assignment (5 min)
o Comparison Table: Students complete a table comparing plant vs. animal cells, listing similarities and differences.
o Self-Assessment Quiz: A short Google Forms quiz on basic organelle functions.
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In-Class Activities
1. Warm-up (5 min)
o Quick class discussion on the video and quiz results.
o Students share one interesting fact they learned from the pre-class activities.
2. Group Work (20 min)
o Activity 1: “Cell Organelle Experts”
 Each group is assigned one organelle and prepares a mini-presentation explaining its function.
 Students create a quick poster or diagram on a large sheet of paper.
o Activity 2: “Organelle Role-play”
 Each student acts as a different organelle and explains their role in the cell (e.g., “I am the mitochondria! I produce energy!”).
3. Interactive Game (15 min)
o “Escape the Cell” Digital Game – A Kahoot! or Google Slides game where students solve clues related to organelles to “escape” a trapped cell.
4. Concept Application (10 min)
o Case Study: “What Happens When Organelles Malfunction?”
 Students analyze diseases caused by organelle dysfunction (e.g., Tay-Sachs disease and lysosomes, mitochondrial diseases).
 They discuss how malfunctions affect cell function and organism health.
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Post-Class Activities
1. Reflection (5 min)
o Students write a short paragraph:
 “Which organelle do you think is the most important and why?”
 OR “How does the structure of an organelle relate to its function?”
2. Homework (10 min)
o Creative Task:
 Create a comic strip or short story where cell organelles talk and work together.
 Example: “A Day in the Life of a Cell.”

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