Introduction to Cells
Name: Period: Date:
1.Cells are filled with cytoplasm and organelles, each with specific functions
2.Gene expression controlled by chemical signals determines cell type
3.Genes are discrete units; dominant/recessive patterns determine expression
4.Mutations can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral depending on context
[!] STUDY GUIDE: Big Ideas Use to answer form questions!
1.All living things are made of cells. Cells are the basic unit of life - the smallest living things.
2.Cells have specialized parts called organelles. Each organelle has a specific job (mitochondria = energy, nucleus = control center).
3.One cell can become trillions. A single fertilized egg divides and specializes to build a whole organism.
1 Cell (Egg) -> Cell Divides -> More Cells -> Cells Specialize -> Organism (37 trillion!)
FROM ONE CELL TO MANY: Cell Division + Specialization
[#] KEY TERMS Define in YOUR words
Cell
Basic unit of life
Organelle
Tiny structures inside cells
Nucleus
Control center with DNA
Mitochondria
Makes energy for the cell
[?] THE PHENOMENON Write BEFORE Hook form
How can a single cell become a whole human being?
You started as one tiny cell - smaller than a period on this page. Now you have about 37 TRILLION cells working together. How is that possible?
Your initial thinking:
[>] AFTER HOOK FORM Reflect, then continue +2 pts
I learned that...
Station 1 — Cell Discovery Lab
All living things have...
Plant vs. animal cells differ by...
Key insight:
Station 2 — Cell Structure
The nucleus controls...
Mitochondria are important because...
Key insight:
[/] DAY 1 EXIT TICKET Complete before leaving +5 pts
Q1:
What is the basic unit of all living things? Why is it called that?
Q2:
Name one organelle and explain what job it does for the cell.
Confidence:
Introduction to Cells (continued)
Name:
[=] Day 2 start
Station 3 — Design a Cell Model
My analogy for a cell is...
The nucleus is like _____ because...
Mitochondria are like _____ because...
Key insight:
[+] MAKING CONNECTIONS Use for Exit Ticket!
Why can't cells be hollow or empty inside?
How does knowing about cells help you understand your own body?
[/] DAY 2 EXIT TICKET Final check before Science Circle +5 pts
Q1 (NEW):
Explain why cells are NOT hollow or empty. What fills them?
Q2 (NEW):
How can one fertilized egg cell become 37 trillion cells in a human body?
Q3 (INTEGRATION):
Why do cells with more mitochondria need more energy? Give an example of a cell type that would have many mitochondria.
CHECK TEST YOUR THINKING Rate each: FALSE ← 1–2–3–4–5 → TRUE
1. Cells are hollow or empty inside
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2. Cell specialization is random or luck-based
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3. Traits from parents blend like mixing paint
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4. Mutations are always harmful
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5. Cells are filled with cytoplasm and organelles, each with specific functions
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Pick any TWO statements — especially any you rated 2, 3, or 4. Justify your rating with evidence:
Statement #___ — I rated it ___ because:
Statement #___ — I rated it ___ because:
[O] SCIENCE CIRCLE ~15 min | End of week +3 pts
[!] My "Aha!" Moment
[?] My Remaining Question
Discussion Protocol: Share ahas, listen actively, record class discoveries.
CLASS DISCOVERIES
1.
2.
[X] We used to think:
[OK] Now we understand:
[*] Something challenging I tried: