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My eighth grader is wrapping up her last science project of the year for Earth Science. She chose to do a PowerPoint presentation of organisms that live in the different ocean zones, which means I have time to work on plans for next year’s biology class while she is working.
We will be using CK-12’s online Biology Flexbook next year. I love the integrated videos, interactive practice, and simulations in their Flexbooks. It is a fantastic, free resource, however there are no labs included. I have been compiling hands-on activities and labs from my previous teaching stash as well as coming up with new ones.
Of course, we will be using a microscope to view prepared slides of cells in addition to making slides with onion root tip cells and cheek cells. This student microscope is my favorite of the ones we have owned as it has two light sources. We purchased a cell phone holder (not this exact one, but similar) for the microscope years ago to take pictures and videos with the microscope. This is especially cool when viewing live organisms in pond water!
The Cell Iron-on transfer makes a cute cell t-shirt that my crafty girl can color with fabric markers or Sharpies. I just print the reverse image on iron-on transfer sheets for inkjet printers, then iron the image onto a shirt (or apron, or tote bag, etc.) ahead of time and she can color-code it using the cell image in the textbook. Plus, she can review cell organelles every time she puts on the t-shirt. We will also be making an edible cell model with cake and candy. Making models encourages students to visualize the parts and how they work together.
Since Biology is very vocabulary intensive, I am making crossword puzzles and quick games for reviewing all of the new terms and concepts. Here are the games that I have created for the cells unit:
Movement Across the Membrane Trivia Game
Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Trivia Game
Photosynthesis and Aerobic Respiration Card Game
DNA and Protein Synthesis Trivia Game
The plan is to use the short games to introduce topics as well as for review. The games should only take 10-15 minutes to play, so much faster and more fun than a worksheet. Coloring the t-shirt and making the edible cell model will take longer, but fun, enjoyable activities are engaging for students, and engagement leads to learning!
North Star Homeschool Resources 