Observe and Wonder: Under the Microscope: ISC7.T2.M3.01

Objective

• I can plan and carry out an investigation that provides evidence that the basic structures of living things are cells.
• I can develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell in living systems and the way parts of cells contribute to cell function.
• I can emphasize the cell as a system, including the interrelating roles of the nucleus, chloroplasts, mitochondria, cell membrane, and cell wall.

 Task

Objects and living organisms can appear different under magnification.  We have microscopes strong enough to see atoms and cells, bacteria, and other minuscule organisms' features.  Can you guess what is being magnified?

Instructions:

1. Read this article Links to an external site. to find information about cells. Look at the tasks to complete in the assignment Links to an external site. as a guide when reading.
2. Write the information in the charts when reading. You may read the article just looking for that section and then re-read the article for the next section in the assignment. 
3. Explore just how small a cell really is by viewing the scale animation Links to an external site. and answering the questions. 
4. Then, write the hypothesis about the importance of cells to life.

 Resources

Reading: article Links to an external site.

Observe and Wonder: Under the Microscope Assignment Links to an external site.

Learn Genetics Cell Size and Scale Animation Links to an external site.