Learning Gig Resources

Reading

The Powerhouse of the Cell: Mitochondria and Energy Production

Learn about the structure and function of mitochondria, their role in energy production through ATP, and how they support the energy needs of organisms. Understand their impact on health and daily activities.

Video

Biology: Cell Structure I Nucleus Medical Media

This educational animation by Nucleus Medical Media explores the structure and function of plant and animal cells, detailing organelles such as the nucleus, nucleolus, DNA, ribosomes, and mitochondria.

Source: Nucleus Medical Media

Reading

The Nucleus: Command Center of the Cell

Explore the nucleus as the 'command center' of the cell, including its structure, role in storing DNA, and its importance in directing cellular activities.

Reading

Ribosomes and Protein Factories: Building Blocks of Life

Discover the critical role of ribosomes in protein production, their locations in the cytoplasm or on the endoplasmic reticulum, and how they contribute to essential functions like digestion and muscle building.

Video

Comparing Animal and Plant Cells | Cells and Organisms | Middle School Biology | Khan Academy

This educational video by Khan Academy compares animal and plant cells, highlighting key differences such as the presence of a cell wall and chloroplasts in plant cells, and the role of these structures in providing support and enabling photosynthesis.

Source: Khan Academy

Reading

Chloroplasts vs. Mitochondria: A Tale of Two Powerhouses

Compare the roles of chloroplasts in photosynthesis and mitochondria in cellular respiration. Learn how they work together to power life through the creation and consumption of energy.

Project Work (Recommended)

Project

Project: Organelle Survival Challenge

Students imagine a scenario where a cell is under stress, and organelles must 'compete' to prove their importance to survival.

1-2 students

Project

Project: Time Traveler's Guide to Cells

Students will create a travel brochure or interactive guide describing key organelles in a cell as if they were tourist attractions.

1-2 students

Slides

Organelles and Their Functions

Key roles and structures of cell organelles.

Mitochondria

 

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell; generates ATP for energy.

Nucleus

 

Nucleus

Command center of the cell; stores DNA and directs activities.

Ribosomes

 

Ribosomes

Molecular machines that assemble proteins.

Chloroplasts

 

Chloroplasts

Perform photosynthesis to produce glucose and oxygen.

Cristae

 

Cristae

Folds in the inner mitochondrial membrane; increase surface area for energy production.

Nuclear Envelope

 

Nuclear Envelope

Double-layered membrane protecting the nucleus and regulating communication.

Free Ribosomes

 

Free Ribosomes

Float in the cytoplasm; produce proteins for internal cell use.

Bound Ribosomes

 

Bound Ribosomes

Attached to the rough ER; produce proteins for export or membrane insertion.

Chloroplast vs. Mitochondria

 

Chloroplast vs. Mitochondria

Chloroplasts produce glucose; mitochondria convert glucose into ATP.

Nucleolus

 

Nucleolus

Assembles ribosomes within the nucleus.

Chromatin

 

Chromatin

DNA organized in the nucleus; condenses into chromosomes during cell division.

Photosynthesis

 

Photosynthesis

Process in chloroplasts that converts sunlight into glucose and oxygen.

Cellular Respiration

 

Cellular Respiration

Process in mitochondria that converts glucose into ATP.

Electron Transport Chain

 

Electron Transport Chain

Final stage of cellular respiration in mitochondria; produces most ATP.

Plant Cells

 

Plant Cells

Contain both chloroplasts and mitochondria for photosynthesis and energy conversion.

Muscle Cells

 

Muscle Cells

Rich in mitochondria to meet high energy demands for movement.

Study Guide

Organelles and Their Functions

This is a list of topics you should review to understand cell organelles and their roles in plant and animal cells.

Session Schedule

Session: 1


Begin with an introduction to the material and the projects, ensuring students have a clear understanding of expectations and objectives.


Learning Activities:

• Read: The Powerhouse of the Cell: Understanding Mitochondria and Cellular Energy Production.
• Watch: Biology: Cell Structure - A Visual Guide to the Building Blocks of Life.
• Review the project details collectively.
• Begin reviewing slides together to establish foundational understanding.
• Independent Learning: Reflect on project requirements and prepare questions for clarification.
 

Session: 2


Focus on project work and additional foundational readings.


Learning Activities:

• Read: The Nucleus: Command Center of the Cell.
• Read: Ribosomes and Protein Factories: Building the Machinery of Life.
• Continue reviewing slides as a class, pausing for discussions and clarifications.
• Work on assigned projects.
• Independent Learning: Conduct research or gather information related to the projects.
 

Session: 3


Consolidate knowledge, complete project work, and prepare for the assessment.


Learning Activities:

• Watch: Biology: Cell Structure - Comparing Animal and Plant Cells.
• Read: Chloroplasts vs. Mitochondria: Energy Centers in Plant and Animal Cells.
• Complete the review of slides and revisit key points.
• Review the study guide collectively to ensure students are prepared for the assessment.
• Finalize all project work.
• Independent Learning: Prepare for the assessment by reviewing the study guide individually and refining project contributions.
 

Session: 4


Dedicated to assessment and wrapping up the projects.


Learning Activities:

• Take the assessment.
• Present or share final project work with the class or instructor.
• Independent Learning: Reflect on the session and personal progress, noting areas for future improvement.