Summary
In this unit, students look at the components of cells and their functions and discover the controversy behind stem cell research. The first lesson focuses on the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. In the second lesson, students learn about the basics of cellular respiration. They also learn about the application of cellular respiration to engineering and bioremediation. The third lesson continues students' education on cells in the human body and how (and why) engineers are involved in the research of stem cell behavior.Engineering Connection
Engineers design systems to remove harmful bacteria found in drinking water. So, clearly, they know a lot about cell behavior in order to design beneficial systems. And, engineers use their knowledge of cells to make products that offer strong protection against harmful bacteria and also enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria (such as soap vs. compounds to break down harmful pollution). Through the process of bioremediation, engineers use their knowledge of cells to promote the growth of cells that break down toxic compounds into harmless byproducts that aid in the protection of our environment.
From engineering tools for observation on the molecular level to chemical and bioengineering of natural fluorescent dyes to examine cell replication in an organism, engineering developments and design have helped advance research of all types of cells. Engineering influences science and medical research by facilitating the understanding of how cells are influenced in all directions by their environment and how they behave in our bodies.
Educational Standards
Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science,
technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards.
All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN),
a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org).
In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g., by state; within source by type; e.g., science or mathematics;
within type by subtype, then by grade, etc.
Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards.
All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN), a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org).
In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g., by state; within source by type; e.g., science or mathematics; within type by subtype, then by grade, etc.
See individual lessons and activities for standards alignment.
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- Day 1: Cell Celebration! lesson
- Day 2 and Day 5: Sudsy Cells activity (Note: 50 minutes for the initial activity, two days (48 hours) for incubation of Petri dishes and 50 minutes to record and analyze results)
- Day 3: Cellular Respiration and Bioremediation lesson
- Day 4: Breathing Cells activity
- Day 6: The Cloning of Cells lesson
- Day 6-7: Glowing Flowers activity
More Curriculum Like This
Students learn about the basics of cellular respiration. They also learn about the application of cellular respiration to engineering and bioremediation. And, they are introduced to the process of bioremediation and examples of how bioremediation is used during the cleanup of environmental contamina...
Students look at the components of cells and their functions. The lesson focuses on the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Students continue their education on cells in the human body. They discuss stem cells and how engineers are involved in the research of stem cell behavior. They learn about possible applications of stem cell research and associated technologies, such as fluorescent dyes for tracking the replication ...
Students gain an understanding of the parts of a plant, plant types and how they produce their own food from sunlight through photosynthesis. They learn how plants play an important part in maintaining a balanced environment in which the living organisms of the Earth survive. This lesson is part of ...
Copyright
© 2008 by Regents of the University of ColoradoContributors
See individual lessons and activities.Supporting Program
Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado BoulderAcknowledgements
This digital library content was developed by the Integrated Teaching and Learning Program under National Science Foundation GK-12 grant no. 0338326. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the National Science Foundation and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.
Last modified: June 6, 2017
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