According to the Benchmarks for Science Literacy, by the end of fifth grade students should recognize that living organisms may be comprised of single cells or multiple cells and that microscopes help us see those cells. Teachers can allow students to examine plant material they find outside under a microscope and then draw their own graphic representations of the cells they see. Picture books about cells can help students connect the material learned in class with pictures and story lines. Students at this level may enjoy “The Basics of Cell Life with Max Axiom, Super Scientist” by Amber J. Keyser and books in the “Enjoy Your Cells” series by Frances Balkwill.
In middle school, students learn about the different types of cells that make up plants and animals. Students also discuss the different functions of the parts of a cell. Helping students understand these concepts requires a lot of hands-on activities. Teachers can provide students with the opportunity to make models of specific cells -- using edible or basic craft materials -- and have them label all of the parts. Students will also enjoy creative activities in which they must act out a specific part of the cell or create metaphors to help describe the parts of cells.
At the ninth and tenth grade levels, students begin to learn more in-depth information about cells and their functions. Information students discover on their own is often more interesting to them, so teachers can assign students projects in which they must research different types of cells or diseases involving cells, such as sickle cell anemia or various types of cancer. Instead of using a traditional report form, teachers can have students display their research in multiple forms, including videos, presentations and posters. Students can also participate in class debates, developing persuasive presentations related to political issues such as stem cell research.
At the eleventh and Twelfth grade levels, students can study even more complex elements of cell biology, such as the chemical elements of cells and what causes cells to function differently. Online resources such as CELLS Alive! -- which offers interactive presentations to introduce students to different types of cells and unique cell processes -- can help students visualize some of the more complex cell divisions and functions. Conducting research related to cells can help students attach the complex concepts to real-life scenarios, such as researching specific causes of cancer or current events related to cell biology and contemporary research.