DIRECT INSTRUCTION LESSON PLAN

Name: Introduction to Cells and Cell Theory

Grade Level/Subject: Topic: 8th Grade Science / Cell Biology
State Standard (s) / North Carolina Standard Course of Study:
6.01 Describe cell theory:
·  All living things are composed of cells.
·  Cells provide structure and carry on major functions to sustain life.
·  Some organisms are single cell; other organisms, including humans, are multi-cellular.
·  Cell function is similar in all living things.
Instructional Objective / Performance- Students will be able to compare and contrast atoms and cells…by filling in a Venn Diagram with a partner. Students will be able to analyze the three laws that comprise the cell theory…by taking notes.
Conditions- Students will be able to use a partner, their notes, and the pre-made Venn Diagram to compare and contrast atoms. Students will be able to use their notes and video Anticipation Guide to analyze the three laws of the cell theory in their notebooks.
Criteria—Students will need to have at least 8 characteristics listed in their Venn Diagrams. Students will be given 10 minutes to write in their notebooks an analysis of the three laws that comprise the cell theory.
Objective Rationale / Essential Questions:
1.  How are atoms and cells similar? How are they different?
2.  What are the three laws that comprise the cell theory?
3.  To what types of cells does the cell theory apply?
Instructional Decisions
How much prerequisite knowledge do my students need? / Students should have had exposure to cells and organelles if they attended a North Carolina public middle school last year in 7th grade, but since this lesson plan is for Day 1 of the unit, it starts with the very basic definition of a cell. The only background knowledge for today is that students know the definition and structure of atoms taught previously this year in the Chemistry unit.
How much time do I need to teach the objective? / To fully explore the definition and characteristics of cells as well as the three basic laws of the cell theory, one entire block (130 minutes) is needed.
How will the students work during the lesson? (whole class, small group, individual) / - Students will take notes as a whole class in a structured environment with limited talking or distractions.
- Students will complete a Listening Guide individually during the video to maximize the information that they are hearing and understanding.
- Students will work in heterogeneous pairs selected by the teacher to share their ideas in order to complete the Venn Diagram.
Content and Strategies
Focus/Review / Anticipatory Set:
-  I will begin the lesson by asking students what the basic unit of each element in the periodic table is made of.
-  When they answer “atoms”, I will ask about the building blocks of atoms (protons, neutrons, and electrons).
-  I will then link this to cells being the basic building blocks of all living things and they are also made of smaller parts called organelles.
-  Unlike atoms though, cells must be able to carry out all of the functions of life.
Objective (as stated for students) / ***The objectives will be clearly written on the whiteboard, explicitely taught at the start of the lesson, and reviewed during the closure of the lesson to ensure that students have met the goals.***
Students will be able to compare and contrast atoms…by creating a Venn Diagram with their partner.
Students will be able to analyze the three laws that comprise the cell theory…by taking notes.
Teacher Input / The teacher will present notes in a PowerPoint presentation utilizing the SmartBoard in a presentation that uses graphic organizers, images, and bullet points. Students will take notes writing down key points. Students may stop the teacher at any time to ask questions and the teacher will pause and spot-check for comprehension throughout the presentation.
The teacher will show a short Discovery Education video to peak student interest and exemplify material that was just taught.
Guided Practice / Students will work in pairs to complete a Venn Diagram comparing atoms and cells at the conclusion of the lesson. Students will place characteristics of atoms on the left, characteristics of cells on the right, and characteristics that they hare in the middle. The teacher will walk around the room and guide students as they complete the task.
Independent Practice / Students will complete a Listening Guide while watching video where they will answer questions on the guide as it is presented on the screen. The Listening Guide will keep students on track while taking control of their own learning.
Students will also get to practice answering questions independently with their Ticket-Out-the-Door.
Closure / The teacher will review all material covered in the form of a question and answer forum as a class. The teacher will begin the closing by asking the following questions and listening to responses:
-  What is one thing about cells that you learned today that you didn’t know previously?
-  Name one thing that after today you would like to learn more about.
Then students will be encouraged to ask questions about any concepts or vocabulary of which they are unclear.
Assessment / Students will answer two questions as a Ticket-Out-the-Door that tests their comprehension of the day’s material. The teacher will review the responses and will clarify any misconceptions and review any material that appears to be unclear at the start of the following day’s class.
The teacher will review the students’ Venn Diagrams for accuracy and completion.
A class discussion will follow after students complete the Listening Guide during the video to ensure understanding.
Things to Consider
Materials / -SmartBoard
-PowerPoint Presentation
-Listening Guide for video
-Venn Diagram worksheet
-Science notebook for students to take notes in and something to write with
-Guided notes for select students
Plans for Individual Differences / - Information will be presented in the form of images, bullet points, video clips, graphic organizers, and orally spoken. Students will also participate in a small group activity where they will have the opportunity to communicate and think critically with a partner.
- ELLs and Extend 2 students will be provided with a copy of guided notes to help with their comprehension and to simplify note taking.