Estimated Time: 20 minutes.
Overview: Data from research on students’ understanding of cells
are used to show that even after a high school biology course, most students
do not understand fundamental concepts about cells and their role in carrying
out important functions for organisms. The data provoke discussion about
the need for change. This option is particularly appropriate for use with
four presentations in Exploring the Use of Project 2061 Tools, 5: To Design
Instruction. These are Parts and Wholes (K-2); How One Part Relates to
Another (3-5) and Invisible Life (3-5); Cell Comparisons (6-8); and Seeing
the Cell as a System (9-12). These options include lessons designed to
improve students’ understanding of cells.