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Cell Stories: From Molecules to Life

Grade 6EnglishScience5 days

This project, 'Cell Stories: From Molecules to Life', engages 6th-grade students in creatively exploring the world of cells through storytelling. Students are tasked with creating an informative and engaging storybook that communicates complex scientific concepts such as the structure and function of cells, how cells form tissues and organs, and their importance in everyday life. The project combines English and science standards, encouraging students to research, write, and present their findings as narrative texts suitable for younger audiences. Interactive entry events and portfolio activities support this learning journey, alongside reflection prompts and a rubric to assess scientific understanding, storytelling ability, and presentation skills.

CellsStorytellingScientific ConceptsCreative WritingStudent EngagementPresentation Skills

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we creatively communicate the importance and function of cells through storytelling?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

What are the key components and functions of a cell?
How do cells work together to form tissues, organs, and systems?
Why is understanding cellular function important to everyday life?
How can storytelling be used to effectively communicate scientific concepts?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Understand and explain the basic structure and function of a cell and its components.
Demonstrate how cells combine to form tissues, organs, and systems.
Create an informative and engaging storybook that teaches key concepts about cells.
Effectively use narrative techniques to convey scientific information in a clear and engaging way.
Research and integrate information about cellular functions from credible sources.

NGSS

6-LS1-1

Primary

Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells; either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells.Reason: This standard aligns well as students will be learning about cells, their components and functions.

Common Core Standards

W.6.2

Primary

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.Reason: The project involves creating a storybook, which requires writing informative texts.

W.6.4

Secondary

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.Reason: Students will need to produce writing that is coherent and structured, appropriate for teaching younger students.

RI.6.1

Supporting

Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.Reason: Understanding and interpreting texts will be critical in researching cell information for their storybooks.

SL.6.4

Secondary

Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes.Reason: Students will need to effectively present their storybook content in a logical and informative manner.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Cell City Adventure

Students receive a mysterious letter from Cell City, a place where cells are the size of cars! They must use maps and clues within the letter to explore different cell parts and their functions to solve a city-wide problem. This adventure prompts students to understand cells' importance in a fun contextual setting, linking to their storybook project.

Microscopic Mystery

Students open the school news portal to find a report about a 'mysterious discovery' of a tiny world living inside a drop of water. Using virtual microscopes, they are challenged to investigate this world, learn about cells, and draft a storybook plot that would explain their findings to younger students.

The Incredible Cell Race

A renowned scientist has issued a challenge to students: complete the 'Incredible Cell Race' where they must tackle cell-related tasks and answer questions to unlock levels. Completing this race will provide them with the knowledge needed to create their educational storybooks for younger peers.

Storybook Starters

Presented with a blank storybook and a set of creative prompts around cells, students are tasked with developing an engaging storyline that not only introduces cellular structures but also relates the information back to experiences familiar to younger students.

Cell Hero Chronicles

Students are introduced to the world of cellular heroes, small yet mighty protectors of the human body. They embark on a creative project to develop a heroic tale, showcasing how cellular structures work together to maintain health. This concept links the complexity of cells with storytelling elements familiar to students, encouraging exploration and creativity.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Cellular Detective Diaries

In this activity, students will investigate the basic information about cells by acting as detectives who uncover the fundamental role of cells in living organisms. They'll research cell structure and functions to lay the groundwork for their storybook project.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Start a fact-finding mission by exploring biology textbooks and online resources about cells.

2. Take detailed notes on cell structures such as the nucleus, mitochondria, cell membrane, and their functions.

3. Create a 'Profile Card' for each cell component listing its name, function, and an interesting fact.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA portfolio of 'Profile Cards' for various cell components, compiled in a detective-style notebook.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with NGSS 6-LS1-1 as students conduct an investigation on cell components and functions.

Activity 2

Tissue Tales: From Cell to System

Students will explore how individual cells come together to form tissues, organs, and systems. They will create a flowchart that visualizes the progression from the simplest cellular forms to complex organ systems.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research how cells combine to form tissues and organs by reviewing educational videos and articles.

2. Select a specific organ and trace its function from the cellular level, highlighting the role of different cells and tissues.

3. Design a flowchart showcasing the hierarchy from cells to systems using digital tools like Canva or paper and art supplies.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive flowchart that illustrates the movement from cells to systems for a selected organ.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsMeets NGSS 6-LS1-1, demonstrating cellular organization and links to informative/explanatory writing in W.6.2.

Activity 3

Celltastic Story Structure Surge

In this creative endeavor, students will draft the outlines for their storybooks by integrating the scientific information they've gathered. They'll learn to structure their narrative to teach younger students about cells.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Examine examples of children's storybooks focusing on how scientific facts are woven into narratives.

2. Outline the main story elements—characters, setting, plot—and decide how cell information will be included.

3. Create a storyboard detailing each page's focus, ensuring scientific content is clear and engaging.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed story outline and storyboard ready for storybook creation.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with W.6.2 and W.6.4 by laying the groundwork for informative and coherent storytelling.

Activity 4

Research Rovers: Citing the Cell

Students will dive deep into research techniques to source factual information about cells for their storybooks. They will learn to cite sources accurately to strengthen the credibility of their project.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Identify reliable sources of information about cells including books, scientific websites, and online journals.

2. Create an annotated bibliography listing each source, summarizing its contribution, and noting why it is credible.

3. Review citation guidelines suitable for the age group to ensure sources are properly credited in the storybook.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn annotated bibliography with properly cited sources used in the storybook, focusing on cell information.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports RI.6.1 by encouraging textual evidence analysis and SL.6.4 by citing pertinent details.

Activity 5

Presenting the Greater Cellular Story

In the final portfolio activity, students will focus on presenting their storybook projects effectively. They will develop presentation skills by practicing storytelling and highlighting key scientific concepts to their audience—young learners.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Prepare a script for the presentation that includes key elements of the storybook and interesting facts about cells.

2. Rehearse the storytelling process using props or digital slides to make the presentation engaging.

3. Present the storybook to a group of peers or younger students, ensuring clarity and enthusiasm.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA live or recorded presentation of the storybook, showcasing students' understanding of cells and their ability to communicate effectively.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports W.6.4 and SL.6.4, emphasizing coherent writing and logical idea sequencing in presentations.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Cell Storybook Project Rubric

Category 1

Scientific Understanding

Assessment of the student's understanding and explanation of cell structures, functions, and their organization into systems.

Criterion 1

Cell Component Accuracy

Accuracy and completeness in describing the functions and interactions of cell components.

Exemplary

4 Points

Descriptions of cell components are exceptionally clear, detailed, and accurate, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of cellular functions and interactions.

Proficient

3 Points

Descriptions of cell components are clear and accurate, showing thorough understanding, with minor omissions.

Developing

2 Points

Descriptions of cell components are partially accurate and lacking in detail, indicating emerging understanding.

Beginning

1 Points

Descriptions of cell components are inaccurate or highly incomplete, showing minimal understanding.

Criterion 2

Organization of Cellular Systems

Understanding of how cells organize to form tissues and systems, visualized in the flowchart.

Exemplary

4 Points

Flowchart provides detailed, accurate connections from cells to systems, showing a deep understanding of biological organization.

Proficient

3 Points

Flowchart accurately connects cells to systems, demonstrating good understanding of biological organization.

Developing

2 Points

Flowchart partially connects cells to systems, lacking some clarity or accuracy.

Beginning

1 Points

Flowchart fails to accurately depict connections from cells to systems, showing little understanding.

Category 2

Creative Writing and Storytelling

Evaluation of the storybook's narrative structure, creativity, and educational value.

Criterion 1

Narrative Structure and Creativity

Effectiveness in using narrative techniques to integrate scientific content into the story.

Exemplary

4 Points

Narrative structure is expertly crafted with creative and engaging use of scientific facts, seamlessly integrated into the story.

Proficient

3 Points

Narrative is well-structured with effective integration of scientific facts, engaging and informative.

Developing

2 Points

Narrative structure is basic, with some integration of scientific facts; partially engaging.

Beginning

1 Points

Narrative structure is unclear or poorly developed, with minimal use of scientific facts.

Criterion 2

Engagement and Educational Value

Ability to present scientific information in a way that is engaging and accessible to younger students.

Exemplary

4 Points

Storybook is highly engaging and presents scientific concepts in a manner that is both entertaining and educational for younger students.

Proficient

3 Points

Storybook is engaging and educational, successfully simplifying scientific concepts for younger students.

Developing

2 Points

Storybook is somewhat engaging, with limited simplification of scientific concepts.

Beginning

1 Points

Storybook lacks engagement and fails to effectively simplify scientific concepts.

Category 3

Research and Citation

Assessment of research skills and the accuracy of source citation.

Criterion 1

Research Depth and Source Credibility

Use of credible sources and depth of research into cellular structures and functions.

Exemplary

4 Points

Research is thorough, using a variety of high-quality, credible sources, demonstrating deep understanding.

Proficient

3 Points

Research is detailed, using credible sources effectively, showing good understanding.

Developing

2 Points

Research uses limited sources with some credibility, showing basic understanding.

Beginning

1 Points

Research is minimal with unreliable sources, showing little understanding.

Criterion 2

Citation Accuracy

Accuracy and completeness of source citations in the bibliography.

Exemplary

4 Points

Citations are comprehensive, accurate, and correctly formatted in the bibliography.

Proficient

3 Points

Citations are mostly accurate and formatted correctly, with minor errors.

Developing

2 Points

Citations are incomplete or inconsistently formatted with several errors.

Beginning

1 Points

Citations are inaccurate or poorly formatted, with significant errors.

Category 4

Presentation Skills

Evaluation of the effectiveness and clarity of the presentation of the storybook.

Criterion 1

Clarity and Engagement

Clarity of presentation and ability to engage the audience effectively during storytelling.

Exemplary

4 Points

Presentation is exceptionally clear and engaging, captivating the audience throughout.

Proficient

3 Points

Presentation is clear and engaging, holding the audience's attention effectively.

Developing

2 Points

Presentation is somewhat clear and engaging but struggles to maintain audience attention.

Beginning

1 Points

Presentation lacks clarity and fails to engage the audience.

Criterion 2

Use of Visuals and Aids

Effectiveness in using visual aids or props to enhance the presentation.

Exemplary

4 Points

Visual aids or props are used innovatively and effectively to enhance understanding and engagement.

Proficient

3 Points

Visual aids or props are used effectively to support understanding and engagement.

Developing

2 Points

Visual aids or props are used, but with limited effectiveness in enhancing the presentation.

Beginning

1 Points

Visual aids or props are poorly used or absent, offering little to no enhancement.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

Reflect on your journey of learning about cells and storytelling. What are the key insights or discoveries you have made?

Text

Required

Question 2

On a scale from 1 to 5, how confident do you feel about explaining the functions of different cell components to others?

Scale

Required

Question 3

How did the process of creating a storybook help you understand the connection between cells, tissues, and organ systems better?

Text

Required

Question 4

Which portfolio activity did you find most engaging or useful, and why?

Text

Required

Question 5

What challenges did you encounter during the project and how did you overcome them?

Text

Optional

Question 6

If you had to choose one concept about cells to explain to a younger student, which would it be and why?

Multiple choice

Optional

Options

Cell structure

Cell function

The role of cells in forming tissues

The function of organelles

Cells and body systems