For the Last Several Weeks We Have Been Studying Cells, the Fundamental Building Blocks

May 11, 2015

Dear Parents,

For the last several weeks we have been studying cells, the fundamental building blocks of life. We have reviewed written texts, we have watched videos, and we have viewed plant and animal cells through a microscope. We also have watched cellular processes like osmosis and diffusion take place right before our eyes and we have written analogies to understand the structure and function of living cells. Our final step in understanding cells is to create a model of a cell so students can understand the 3-dimensional nature of the cell.

Your student will be asking you to help him or her purchase some edible supplies for this science lab that is designed to reinforce the concepts of cell structures and functions. The student will design and produce a cell model from various kinds of candy and other food items. Each candy or food item your child chooses will represent a specific part (organelle) of the cell. Fluffy items such as whipped cream, marshmallows, and cake sprinkles dissolve in the cell model so please do not supply them. Students use Jello as the cell’s cytoplasm and as a place to hold the candy organelles. When the cell lab is completed, the students will consume their cell models. I will provide the Jello molds for the lab. In a few days, your child will bring home a blueprint plan for the cell model. He or she will have made plans to split packages of candy with other students as a means of reducing the cost per student.

The supplies for the lab need to be here by THURSDAY, May 18.

If you are unable for any reason to fill this request for your child, arrangements will be made to get the needed supplies. Please let your child know as soon as possible if you are unable to provide the items he or she is requesting so I can make plans to provide the materials for your child.

Respectfully,

Sarah Hoover Science Teacher