Baby Cell "Facts of Life"

This site includes directions for developing a RAFT and writing assignment. Students write a story as if they are a parent animal cell talking to their child cell. The parent cell informs the child of their parts and each part's function. The site includes a teacher check list and RAFT instruction and student check list to guide the writing assignment. When students can write about any topic then they truly understand the concept of the writing assignment. This assignment reviews animal cell structures and functions and then asks students to write this letter allowing them to explain what they know about animal cells in a creative way.

Weblink address (URL): 
Baby Cell "Facts of Life"

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Objectives:
The student knows that body structures are uniquely designed and adapted for their function.
 

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 

Extensions:
Students can use their stories and act out the characters in a skit for the class. (This could be beneficial for students who learn kinesthetically or for students who are  ESOL.)

Helpful Hints

Materials:

  • RAFT assignment sheets with student checklist
  • Animal cell diagram or model for students to use as a visual (optional)
  • Any prior cell structure and function worksheets or information students have from previous 
  • lessons
  • Copies of the Teacher Checklist 

References

Contributors: 
Dale Rudolph
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation