Curated OER
Comparing Animal and Plant Cell Structure
Students work as a team to use the ProScope Digital USB Microscope and a computer to collect microscopic images from a variety of organisms. When they compare these specimens, they are able to determine how they are alike and different...
Curated OER
Cells All Around
Students measure the size of an epithelial cell and to estimate the number of epithelial cells in a given area of the body. After watching a video on cells, student groups perform an experiment using a microscope to view some of their...
Curated OER
How Can We Study the Differences in Animal and Plant Cells Using the Compound Microscope?
High schoolers examine their cheek cells with a compound microscope. They identify different parts of the cell. They compare and contrast animal and plant cells with the microscope as well.
Curated OER
Comparing Plant and Animal Cells
In this comparing plant cells and animal cells worksheet, students view cells from their cheeks and cells from elodea. A Venn diagram reveals similarities and differences between the cells.
Curated OER
Extract Your Own DNA from Cheek Cells
Young scholars observe their own DNA. In this DNA lesson, students learn the simple method of DNA extraction and explain why DNA extraction is important to scientists.
Serendip
DNA
Get up close and personal with DNA! A two-part hands-on activity has learners extract DNA from a small organism and then their own cheek cells. Scholars then explore DNA replication using questions to guide their analyses.
Curated OER
Extracting DNA from Your Cells - Teacher Preparation Notes
Students extract their own DNA from cheek cells. In this biology instructional activity, students explain the replication process. They identify the structure and composition of DNA.
Curated OER
You...Instead of the Onion Skin
Learners observe their own epithelial cells from the inside linings of their cheeks using DigiScope technology. They prepare a slide with both onion cells and epithelial cells and make an illustrated booklet for a PowerPoint presentation...
Curated OER
Cells, The Structural and Functional Units of Life
Pupils observe the general structure and organelles of plant and animal cells. Students prepare microscope slides of elodea, onion, check, and cork and identify the cells by size and shape as unicellular, multicellular, plant or animal.
Curated OER
What Does Life Look Like Under a Microscope?
Learners discover cells make up all living things. In this life science activity, students investigate living organisms and the cells that create them. Finally the learners create a testable question, conduct an investigation, and draw...
Curated OER
Using Microscopes
Students do an experiment using a microscope. In this lesson, about cells, students examine different slides using a microscope. Students look at an onion skin, cheek cells, and potato cells. In each of these, students find cell walls,...
Serendip
DNA Structure, Function and Replication
Before a cell replicates, its DNA must replicate. Take advantage of a hands-on guided lesson to teach budding scientists how this happens. Using a set of nucleotide cards, learners become the DNA and work to create matching strands...
Curated OER
DNA Isolation
Students use scientific methods to investigate the concept of DNA. They observe the DNA of human cheek cells. This is done with the use of a lab experience. Students record their observations and reflect upon on how each organism is...
Curated OER
Cracking the Code of Life
Students examine the concept of DNA. They work together to extract DNA cells from their classmate's cheek. They answer questions related to what to do with their DNA now that they have it.
Virginia Department of Education
Viruses
Germs, parasites, and viruses, oh my! Facilitate a lesson on viruses as individuals explore functions of Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. They learn how viruses compare with other organisms in nature and how they contribute to health...