This is a remix of the Exploratorium Teacher Institute's Agar Cell Diffusion resource. It offers an alternate recipe for the cell blocks using plain gelatin instead of agarose gel.

Link to original resource: https://goopenva.org/courses/agar-cell-diffusion

In this unit, students will be given a chance to study and view different types of cells, compare and contrast the features of the major cell types, learn about the function of specialization and differentiation in multicellular organisms, and review/learn the major organelles that will become the foundation of later units.This module was developed by Liz Ashby as part of a Virginia Commonwealth University STEM initiative sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education.

Build a gene network! The lac operon is a set of genes which are responsible for the metabolism of lactose in some bacterial cells. Explore the effects of mutations within the lac operon by adding or removing genes from the DNA.

A simple assessment or question bank focused on helping students differentiate between the subtleties and functions of various cell types. These questions can be used in a variety of ways for a life science or biology classroom, e.g. as an assessment, a pre-test, or incorporated into a group activity or game.

Insert channels in a membrane and see what happens. See how different types of channels allow particles to move through the membrane.

Video Description:  In this close-up video, Dr. Egle Cekanaviciute, Space Biologist, shares how she studies radiation and its effect on human brain cells. Dr. Cekanaviciute stresses the importance of balancing work with other interests.  Video length:  3:10.NASA eClips Ask SME: Close-up with a NASA Subject Matter Expert videos are professionally developed to capture a glimpse of NASA SME's personal interests and career journeys. Each can be used to spark student interest and broaden their ideas of the STEM workforce. Additional videos in this series can be found by searching GoOpenVA using "NASA eClips Ask SME". 

Video Description:  Have you ever wondered what living in space would do to your body? In this Real World video, learn how NASA scientists study cells on Earth to learn how to protect astronauts from radiation during space flights. Dr. Egle Cekanaviciute describes changes in cells and cell organelles. She also compares quantitative and qualitative data and demonstrates how to calculate the percentage of mutated cells.  Video length: 6:35.NASA eClipsTM is a suite of online student-centered, standards-based resources that support instruction by increasing STEM literacy in formal and nonformal settings.  These free digital and downloadable resources inform and engage students through NASA-inspired, real-world connections.NASA eClips Real World segments (grades 6-8) connect classroom mathematics to 21st Century careers and innovations.  They are designed for students to develop an appreciation for mathematics through real-world problem solving.

Students present charades or play Pictionary representing the characteristics of different organelles. Student responses (their guesses for the charades) are recorded via a google form...thus everyone is involved and responsible for making individual guesses.

Students present charades or play Pictionary representing the characteristics of different organelles. Student responses (their guesses for the charades) are recorded via a google form...thus everyone is involved and responsible for making individual guesses.

In this classic science clip from the 1950's a neutrophil chases and engulfs a bacteria. It is a dramatic visual to accompany any immune discussion, and includes other resources showing and describing all of the cells involved.