Cells: Shrink Film Art

Seventh graders partnered with Ms. Dottie's K4 classes and Ms. Stutts' class to create animal and plant cells using shrinky dink. We loved combining cells with chemistry and art!

Check out this link to learn the chemistry behind it: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-science-of-shrinky-dinks-36715644/

Cells: Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration

Photosynthesis

• Plants use light energy (for example sunlight) to combine carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) to make simple sugars (C6H12O6).  
• Plant cells also release oxygen gas (O2).  
• Once the sugars are formed, they are either used by the plant or stored in the vacuoles.  
• Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts.

Respiration

 

• All organisms, including plants and animals, break down simple sugars (C6H12O6) into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) and release energy.  
• The cell uses the energy to build, repair, and reproduce cells.  
• Respiration occurs in the mitochondria of cells.

Cells: Osmosis

Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a membrane.

Gummy Bear

(The gummy bear hibernated in water over night)

Watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqKlLm2MjkI 

Cells: Diffusion

Diffusion is one way in which materials (for example molecules of sugar or water) move across the cell membrane. It occurs as materials are moved from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Strip of Fabric, Sharpies, and Rubbing Alcohol