Tiny Titans: The Cell Story (es)

Overview

Activity Objectives

Opening Activity

Learners will use the SEM simulator to explore the microscopic world virtually. They'll magnify objects, and uncover hidden structures and textures, setting the stage for our exploration of cells and organelles.

• Develop a sense of curiosity and excitement about the unseen world of tiny structures. 

Main Activity

Learners(in groups) will fuse their grasp of cells and organelles with creativity, using Brush Ninja to create captivating cell stories. Through artful storytelling, students will solidify their understanding while visually animating the microscopic realm.

• Utilize their understanding of cells and organelles to construct animated stories that accurately depict cellular structures and their functions.
• Promote SEL.

Closing Activity

Learners will take turns sharing their own animated cell stories with the class.

• Enhance comprehension by learning from classmates' interpretations.
• Build confidence in public speaking and sharing ideas.

Slide

Activity

3

Introduce the ground rules, lesson norms, and team roles to students. You can check out our lesson approach if it’s your first time conducting an Eddy lesson.

4

• Engage learners by asking, "Can you guess what object is shown in the image?"
• Encourage learners to observe closely and share their predictions about the object's identity.

5

• After their responses, unveil the object as sugar crystals.
• Ask learners whether they know the device that allows them to venture into the tiny realm.

6

• Highlight the impact of the microscope's discovery. 
• Explain how it revolutionized our understanding by revealing a previously hidden realm of minuscule structures and organisms. 
• Mention its pivotal role in advancing biology, medicine, and science in general. 

7

• Introduce the SEM simulator as a tool for microscopic exploration. 
• Explain that it enables users to examine various objects at a microscopic level. Provide the link https://myscope-explore.org/virtualSEM_explore.html
• Encourage learners to engage in the exploration process by visiting the website.

Note: An SEM microscope, which stands for Scanning Electron Microscope, is a powerful tool that lets us see incredibly tiny objects with great detail. It uses electron beams to scan the surface of objects, creating super-detailed images. Unlike regular microscopes, which use light, an SEM uses electrons to give us a closer look at the fine textures and structures of things that are too small for our eyes to see.

8-10

• Guide the learners through the instructions to effectively utilize the simulator.

11

• Engage learners with reflective questions.
• Encourage students to think critically about their observations and consider the connections between the objects they explored and the idea of smaller building blocks within them.

Slide

Activity

12

• Discuss the concept of cells:
• Explain to the learners that cells are the smallest building blocks of life, constituting the fundamental units within all living organisms.

13

Discuss unicellular and multi-cellular organisms with the learners.

14

Encourage students to consider the internal components of a cell. 

Pose the question: 'What can you observe within the cell?'

Possible Responses:

Inside Substance: Learners might mention the contents inside the cell, like a jelly-like substance.

Small Parts: learners may refer to tiny structures or pieces inside the cell.

Unknown: Some learners might admit not knowing the specific details.

Colors/Textures: They might describe colors or textures seen in the image.

15-20

• Discuss the different organelles.
• Nucleus - The Command Center
• Cytoplasm - The Jelly Playground
• Cell Membrane - The Protective Wall
• Mitochondria - The Power House
• Endoplasmic Reticulum - The Delivery System

21

• Guide students through using Brush Ninja for their cell stories
• Introduce Brush Ninja as a digital drawing tool for creating animations.
• Explain that it's like making a flipbook or mini-movie with drawings.

22

• Divide learners into small groups. 
• You can check out the Eddy Approach if required.
   

  

23

Ask the learners to familiarize themselves with the user interface.

24

• Guide learners on how they can create their story using an introduction, main content, and conclusion.
• Guide learners to brainstorm a captivating introduction that introduces their chosen cell character and sets the tone for the animation.
• Encourage learners to consider which organelles to feature and brainstorm how their character can interact with each organelle while providing brief explanations.
• Help learners craft a concise recap of the animation's content and guide them to conclude with a positive and impactful message.

25-30

Guide the learners to use Brush Ninja effectively.

Slide (25) - How to create the introduction.

Slides (26-27) - How to add the content involving organelles.

Slide (28) - How to adjust frame rates.

Slide (29) - How to play the animation.

Slide (30) - How to download the  GIF/video file. 

Note: GIFs accompany all these slides. Refer to them in case of difficulty.

Only a fraction of the story is provided in the above examples. Learners need to complete their story.

Slide

Activity

31-32

Allow learners to share their creations.

Briefly discuss the rules with the learners to be followed while sharing.

33

Reflection: Have learners reflect on their experience creating their stories.

Criteria

Emerging

Developing

Proficient

Understanding of Cell Concept

The learner shows limited recognition of cells as basic units. Displays minimal grasp of cell diversity and compositions.

The learner recognizes cells as fundamental units and acknowledges diversity in organisms. Understands that organisms can be unicellular or multicellular with distinct cell types.

The learner clearly recognizes cells as fundamental units. Appreciates diversity in organisms and comprehends the range from unicellular to multicellular organisms with different cell types.

Identification of Key Organelles

The learner struggles to identify or inaccurately identifies key organelles in animal cells. Demonstrates limited understanding of their functions.

The learner partially identifies key organelles and their functions within animal cells.

The learner accurately identifies and understands the roles of key organelles, such as the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane in animal cells.

Application of Animation Tool

The learner struggles to use Ninja Brush effectively for animation creation. Animation lacks coherence and relevance to cell concepts.

The learner moderately applies Ninja Brush for animation creation, with some coherence in the animation's relation to cell concepts.

The learner skillfully employs Ninja Brush to create an engaging animated cell story that effectively reflects cell concepts.