Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Cells: Shrink Film Art

Seventh graders taught fifth and K-4 students that cells are essential to life. They also discussed the structures and functions of animal and plant cells.






Monday, November 30, 2015

Cells: Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration - Gumdrop Chemical Equations


Photosynthesis

  • Plants use light energy (for example sunlight) to combine carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) to make simple sugars (C6H12O6).  
  • Plant cells also release oxygen gas (O2).  
  • Once the sugars are formed, they are either used by the plant or stored in the vacuoles.  
  • Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts.





Respiration
 
  • All organisms, including plants and animals, break down simple sugars (C6H12O6) into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) and release energy.  
  • The cell uses the energy to build, repair, and reproduce cells.  
  • Respiration occurs in the mitochondria of cells.



Saturday, November 14, 2015

Cells: Osmosis

Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a membrane.

Gummy Bear
(The gummy bear hibernated in water over night)



Cells: Diffusion

Diffusion is one way in which materials (for example molecules of sugar or water) move across the cell membrane. It occurs as materials are moved from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Strip of Fabric, Sharpies, and Rubbing Alcohol