Basic

Productivity Tools (BPT)

Lesson Idea Name: How can we control cell growth and division?
Content Area: Cell Cycle and Mitosis
Grade Level(s): 9-12th grade

Content Standard Addressed:

SB1. Students will analyze the nature of the relationships between structures and functions in living
cells. a. Explain the role of cell organelles for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the cell
membrane, in maintaining homeostasis and cell reproduction. b. Explain how enzymes function as
catalysts. c. Identify the function of the four major macromolecules (i.e., carbohydrates, proteins,
lipids, nucleic acids). d. Explain the impact of water on life processes (i.e., osmosis, diffusion).


Technology Standard Addressed:
Standards 1-6

Selected Technology Tool:
Gizmos, Excel, powerpoint, prezi, google slides, google spreedsheet

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):

Blooms Taxonomy Level(s):

Remembering Understanding Applying Analyzing Evaluating Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

Level 1: Awareness Level 2: Exploration Level 3: Infusion Level 4: Integration

Level 5: Expansion Level 6: Refinement

Lesson idea overview:

Students will discuss in groups 2-3 things they know about cell division and how cells grow, writing these
things on index cards-cards will be turned in anonymously. Using a gizmo on cell types, students Explore a
wide variety of cells under a microscope simulation where they can manipulate features on a simple
compound light microscope to obtain a high-res image of the cells- from bacteria to human neurons. Students
will be able to select a sample to study, then focus on the sample using the coarse and fine focus controls of
the microscope. Compare the structures found in different cells, then perform tests to see if the sample is
alive. Students will be able to work at their own pace and take a self-quiz.

This simulation/pre-exercise will prepare us for using real microscopes in the class that are expensive and
relatively more complex than the simulation.

The goal is to learn more about how different cell types grow. At the end of the lessons, student will be able
to compare and explain cell growth relative to cell division. Students will use commercial cell cycle inhibitors
to manipulate the cell cycle of given cells in a tissue culture dish. Students will plate cells at a specific volume
and cell number, adding varying concentrations of their assigned inhibitor and maintain a control. Each day
students will observe cells under a microscope, record cell morphology and observations, use a similar dye to
detect cell death/viability, and count cells over 3 days. At the end of this lesson and lab, students will use

Summer 2017_SJB
 Basic Productivity Tools (BPT)
excel to graph their data and present it to the class using their choice of media. Students will be able to
explain cell growth and division, and how we use biotechnology to manipulate these stages in research.

Summer 2017_SJB