Quick Look
Grade Level: 10 (8-11)
Time Required: 15 minutes
Expendable Cost/Group: US $0.00
Group Size: 0
Activity Dependency:
Subject Areas: Algebra, Biology, Chemistry, Data Analysis and Probability, Life Science, Measurement, Problem Solving, Reasoning and Proof, Science and Technology
Summary
Students color-code a schematic of a cell and its cell membrane structures. Then they complete the "Build-a-Membrane" activity found at http://learn.genetics.utah.edu. This reinforces their understanding of the structure and function of animal cells, and shows them the importance of being able to construct a tangible model of something that is otherwise difficult to see.Engineering Connection
To understand intracellular engineering, students must have a basic understanding of the cell and cell mechanics. Through this activity, students take a hands-on approach by identifying and shading cell components on a cell diagram, as well as building a cell membrane model. Through this exercise, they relate building and design with science structure. Buiding models is a common approach used in the engineering design process, especially to study or manipulate objects that are at scales too difficult to see. Engineers often build models of cells to better study and understand how their structure and functions are related.
Learning Objectives
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Define the relationship between the structure and function of a cell membrane.
- Describe the different types of membrane proteins.
- Build a model cell membrane.
Educational Standards
Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science,
technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards.
All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN),
a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org).
In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g., by state; within source by type; e.g., science or mathematics;
within type by subtype, then by grade, etc.
Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards.
All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN), a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org).
In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g., by state; within source by type; e.g., science or mathematics; within type by subtype, then by grade, etc.
NGSS: Next Generation Science Standards - Science
NGSS Performance Expectation | ||
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MS-LS1-2. Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function. (Grades 6 - 8) Do you agree with this alignment? |
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Click to view other curriculum aligned to this Performance Expectation | ||
This activity focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS: | ||
Science & Engineering Practices | Disciplinary Core Ideas | Crosscutting Concepts |
Develop and use a model to describe phenomena. Alignment agreement: | Within cells, special structures are responsible for particular functions, and the cell membrane forms the boundary that controls what enters and leaves the cell. Alignment agreement: | Complex and microscopic structures and systems can be visualized, modeled, and used to describe how their function depends on the relationships among its parts, therefore complex natural structures/systems can be analyzed to determine how they function. Alignment agreement: |
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Within cells, special structures are responsible for particular functions, and the cell membrane forms the boundary that controls what enters and leaves the cell.
(Grades 6 - 8)
More Details
Do you agree with this alignment?
International Technology and Engineering Educators Association - Technology
-
Research and development is a specific problem-solving approach that is used intensively in business and industry to prepare devices and systems for the marketplace.
(Grades
9 -
12)
More Details
Do you agree with this alignment?
Materials List
Each group needs:
- colored pencils
- tape and scissors
- different colored paper
- Animal Cell Coloring Sheet, one per student, available at https://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/cellcolor.html
To share with the entire class:
- Build-a-Membrane template and instructions, available at http://teach.genetics.utah.edu/content/cells/BuildAMembrane.pdf
More Curriculum Like This
Students learn about the different structures that comprise cell membranes, fulfilling part of the Research and Revise stages of the legacy cycle. They view online animations of cell membrane dynamics (links provided).
Pre-Req Knowledge
Students should have completed the associated Cell Membrane Structure and Function lesson and have a basic understanding of cell structures and their functions.
Introduction/Motivation
Ever wonder why things are arranged as they are? Is there a reason for it or are arrangements, such as cell organelles, just random?
In this activity, you will construct a cell membrane. You will also color-code a schematic of a cell and its organelles. Doing this will help you to understand where things are in a cell and why they are in specific positions.
Cells are the basis unit of life. Chemical and biomedical engineers study cells and their composition as part of designing innovative technologies to advance the medical health industry. However, cells are difficult for us to see, so engineers often build models of cells to better study and understand how their structure and functions are related.
Procedure
Background:
Nanoparticle research has become a focus in the field of biomedical engineering due to its use for drug delivery and other applications. To understand what is happening inside of the cell, students must understand how the particles enter the cell as well as its structure. A model of the cell helps students see how cell membrane structure and function, and also provides the level of detail needed by engineers to facilitate ease of entrance in their designs. First, students use colored pencils to shade in a cell diagram. As they write down the functional part of each organelle, they begin to understand placement and arrangement. Taking this a step further, students construct their own models of cell membranes. These "membrane-pieces" assemble with those from other groups in the class to form a large cell membrane model.
Before the Activity
- Gather materials and make copies of the Animal Cell Coloring Sheet, available at https://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/cellcolor.html.
- Obtain from the University of Utah's Teach Genetics website the instructions and templates for the Build-a-Membrane activity at http://teach.genetics.utah.edu/content/cells/. Make enough copies of the templates for all students. Either print out the instructions, or have students read them online.
With the Students
- Distribute the materials and worksheets for the cell coloring page.
- Make sure all students read the instructions carefully. This is a wonderful student-directed activity, so let them investigate and only provide instructions and guidance as they ask questions.
- Once students have completed the coloring portion, divide the class into small groups and direct them to the Build-a-Membrane exercise, following the instructions found at http://teach.genetics.utah.edu/content/cells/BuildAMembrane.pdf.
- Conclude by assembling together the "membrane-pieces" with those from other groups in the class to form a large cell membrane model. Ask students the Investigating Questions.
Vocabulary/Definitions
cell membrane: A semi-permeable membrane that encapsulates a cell's cytoplasm.
membrane protein: A protein molecule attached to the membrane of a cell or organelle.
organelle: A structure in a cell that performs a specified task or function. Found in eukaryotic cells.
Assessment
Cell Membrane Models: At activity end, grade students on their final cell membrane product.
Investigating Questions
- What are some of the structures within a cell?
- What are their functions?
- What is nanoscience, and how does it relate to studying cells?
- Why is it important for engineers to build models of cells?
Additional Multimedia Support
Source of Animal Cell Coloring Sheet: https://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/cellcolor.html
Source of Build-a-Membrane activity: http://teach.genetics.utah.edu/content/cells/
References
Dictionary.com. Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. Accessed June 21, 2010. http://www.dictionary.com
Copyright
© 2013 by Regents of the University of Colorado; original © 2010 Vanderbilt UniversityContributors
Melinda M. Higgins; Amber SpolarichSupporting Program
VU Bioengineering RET Program, School of Engineering, Vanderbilt UniversityAcknowledgements
The contents of this digital library curriculum were developed under National Science Foundation RET grant nos. 0338092 and 0742871. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the National Science Foundation, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.
Last modified: January 23, 2021
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