Submitted by: Debra Carter and Melissa Portella
Collaborators: Lauren Mabry, Terri Vernon
School: John Rolfe Middle School
Summary
After studying cell organelles (nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, etc.) the students used self-created analogies to deepen their understanding of the cell parts. They learned about analogies and how people use comparisons to make sense of unfamiliar concepts. They then chose something to compare the cell to like a school, factory, or sports team. They decide which feature is the equivalent to the cell part, like the school principal’s office is the nucleus, and create a product to share their analogy with their peers.
TIPC Ratings
Developing: The teacher directly instructed the students on search methods, validity of information found online, and source citation methods and rules. The students searched for information and images to use in their product using sources they selected, evaluated, and cited.
Approaching: The students collaborated digitally using Google docs in self-selected groups, with self-designated roles. They were able to choose the best method for digital collaboration and who was going to contribute what skills and resources to the project.
Developing: The students had to make decisions and justify their choices. The activity required problem solving and higher order thinking and reflection about the work they did in their groups.
Developing: The students created Power Point presentations and movies using Windows Movie Maker to illustrate their Cell Analogies. They could choose the medium for expression and how to best represent the topics learned. Their work will provide deeper understanding for themselves and the other students who will see the analogies projects to use as a study tool.
Student Artifact
Download Files
Linked File: Coming Soon
Contents:
- Lesson Plan
- Student Handout Worksheet
- Teacher Power Point
