Category Archives: Cells

Awesome Cell Membrane Virtual Lab for Your Students

The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is a thin, semi-permeable layer that surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell. It provides protection for the cell and performs several vital functions. The cell membrane is composed of a lipid bilayer that separates the inside of the cell from the outside environment. In this cell membrane virtual lab students will learn all about the cell membrane.

Cell membrane virtual lab activity.
Click the blue button to download this lab!

Functions of the Cell Membrane

One of the primary functions of the cell membrane is to transport substances into and out of the cell. This process is crucial for the cell’s survival, as it allows essential molecules like oxygen and nutrients to enter the cell while removing waste and toxic substances.

The cell membrane performs several different functions, such as:

  • Transporting oxygen, ions, and nutrients into the cell
  • Transporting carbon dioxide, ions, and toxic substances out of the cell
  • Providing some structural support for the cell
  • Holding proteins like glycoproteins that interact with other cells
  • Separating vital but incompatible metabolic processes conducted within organelles

Understanding the Cell Membrane through a Virtual Lab

To better understand the cell membrane and its functions, students can participate in a virtual lab that explores how different substances move through the membrane.

Check out our post on the Virtual Microscope Lab!

Cell Membrane Lab Procedures

Cell membrane animation
Cell membrane animation image from the website

Students will complete data tables during this cell membrane web quest

Students are asked to complete data tables for each substance, including the mode of transport, the amount of the substance outside and inside the cell, the passageway used, and the amount or type of substance relocated.

The substances explored in the lab include:

  • Oxygen
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Glucose
  • Potassium
  • Sodium
  • Water
  • Enzymes

Observations and Conclusions

Through the lab, students can observe how the cell membrane selectively transports different substances into and out of the cell, depending on the concentration gradient and the substance’s properties. For example, oxygen is transported through the lipid bilayer via simple diffusion, while glucose is transported via facilitated diffusion using GLUT transporters.

Discovering the Lipid Bilayer

In 1972, scientists S.J. Singer and Garth Nicolson proposed the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane, which revolutionized our understanding of the membrane’s structure and function. The model describes the membrane as a mosaic of lipids and proteins that can move fluidly, allowing for different processes like transport and signaling.

In conclusion, the cell membrane is a crucial component of a cell, providing protection, structural support, and transport functions. The virtual lab worksheet you provided helps students understand how the membrane transports different substances and how it maintains the cell’s homeostasis. By completing the lab, students can gain a deeper understanding of the complex processes that occur within the cell membrane.

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Virtual Microscope lab

What will your students learn in this virtual microscope lab?

In this virtual microscope lab, your students will learn about different types of microscopes. 

Students will explore the light microscope and the electron microscopes.  

Students will learn about the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the transmission electron microscope (TEM)

Students will also “Evaluate the frontier of molecular and cellular research before and after the invention of microscopes” while completing this virtual microscope lab.

 

Virtual Microscope Lab Worksheet Image
Virtual Microscope Lab Worksheet Download

Exploring Microscope Magnification

Students will have an opportunity to explore different microscope magnifications by using following the procedures.

Student have no idea how different specimens can look at different magnifications. 

This lab is a great way to introduce your students to microscopes.

This lab will allow students to see how scientists know what many the structures they will be studying actually look like. 

 

Check out this in-class microscope lab

 

Mystery Specimen Identification

One of my favorite parts of this lab is when students have to identify a mystery specimen. 

How many specimens can you identify from the list below? 

 

Do you need more lesson plans? Get two weeks of lesson here.

 

Student will use the online microscope and look at different specimens until the can match them with one from the chart (pictured below).

Download the lab by click on the blue button below.

Virtual Microscope Lab Worksheet Download

I hope you and your students enjoy this virtual microscope lab!

Stop back and drop a comment about how it went! 

#virtualmicroscopelab   #microscopesactivities #biologycurriculum 

Click Here to Get Two Weeks of Free Lessons

Cell Transport Worksheet

In our Full Biology Curriculum  your students will work through a variety of cell transport worksheets that will help your students build confidence and truly understand  the concept of cell transport.

Cell Transport Worksheet
Get your copy below

 

The curriculum starts with a demonstration that will allow your students to understand how molecules move from a high concentration to a low concentration.

“Thank you so much for these resources! They are incredible!” – Janice 

In this free cell transport worksheet students have to identify which concentration of salt each blood cell was placed in.

Students are also presented with guided notes that will allow you to work through the notes at reasonable pace. Throughout the guided notes students learn about both passive and active transport.

 

“These resources are fantastic for practical application in the classroom!”-Krystal 

Cell transport

Each day your students will complete a bell ringer and reinforce the lessons using cell transport worksheets and exit activities that will help them review the cell transport lesson from the day.

 

Students also explore cell transport using our popular lab where students investigate the impact of salt on plant cells using a real life scenario. You can get instant access to all of our cell transport activities and entire curriculum with a few clicks.

 

You are the BEST place for resources I have ever found -thank you,thank you!!! ❤ -Therese

 

 

#celltransport #biologyteaching

Cell Organelle Worksheet

Do your students struggle learning about the cell?

In our Full Biology Curriculum, students complete a variety of cell organelle worksheets and activities to help them learn cell structure and function. Check out our popular cell boxing activity post!

Included in our Full Biology Curriculum

Do I even need to teach them about cells and their organelles?

If you ask your students if they have heard of cells they will likely say yes. They may even shout out words like mitochondria, chloroplast and nucleus.

For a moment you may even think…..I do not have to teach them cells. They know it! I will finally be able to make up some time and get all of the content in before our state assessment this year.

Not So Fast!

Pump the brakes!!! Give those students a pre-assessment to apply those words they yelled out and you will likely find they have no clue! Let’s chalk it up to the summer break and dig in to teaching them about cells.

In our Full Biology Curriculum students start off analyzing a picture of some cork cells under a microscope. A picture of the same cells Robert Hooke viewed when he coined the term “cell” that we use today.

 

Microscopes

Next, our students complete a microscope lab where they view a different types of cells under the microscope and fill in their cell worksheet as they complete the lab.

Cell Organelle Worksheet

Students also complete our cell boxing activity to help them get some extra practice with the main cell organelles structures and functions.

 

cell organelle worksheetWithin our curriculum, students practice labeling the cell on the cell organelle worksheet,  identifying the differences between chromosomes, chromatin and microscope labeling.

 

Students also have a blast going outside and creating diagrams of cells and organelles in our cell sidewalk chalk activity!

Download the cell organelle worksheet using the button above to and get started teaching your students about cells. If you want every day of lessons for your entire year of Biology check out our Biology Curriculum.  It includes everything you need for the entire year with detailed plans on how to teach it!

 

 

Check out our two weeks of free lesson plans with every minute planned out for you. If you like this you will love our Full Biology Curriculum.

 

#biologyteaching #teachingcells #biologycurriculum #cells #cellorganellesworksheet #celllabeling

Cell Sidewalk Chalk Activity

Last week the weather broke and we had near record high temperatures for February. I decided to do an impromptu outdoor Cell Sidewalk Chalk Activity.  The students really enjoyed having the opportunity to get outside and so did I. They created some beautiful cell drawings (I am slightly bias) and labeled the functions using a color coded key. You can get a copy of the handout I created here. Enjoy!