Science+Centers+-+Microscopes+-+Cell+parts+and+functions

Create learning centers:

1. Microscope Part Identification - Set up several microscopes - Stereomicroscope and Compound microscope. Students label the parts with tabs. They check their answers by comparing a diagram of a microscope.

2. Microscope Lab Materials - elodea, slides, toothpicks, prepared frog blood slides a. Students make wet mount slides of elodea and cheek cells.

b. Students focus slides. They compare the cheek cells with the elodea or (lettuce) cells. They draw and answer questions about the two different types of cells - plant and animal. They each make their own slide and drawing and then collaborate with the other students in the group to discuss the questions.

3. Smart Board Learn Games - Students answer questions on several Smart Game boards. They take turns within the group.

4. Computer Center - Cells alive. Students see animation and identify cell parts by moving the cursor. There is a plant cell and an animal cell diagram.

4. Flash cards - The students within the group drill on the vocabulary for this chapter.

5. Cytoplasm experiment - Fill a beaker with 100 mL water. Add unflavored gelatin and stir. Shine a flashlight through the beaker. Describe what you see. How does a model help you understand what a real thing looks like?