Cells and Organelles Review

Learning Targets

• I can identify and describe the functions of major cell organelles.
• By the end of the lesson, I will explain how organelles work together to support a living cell.

(Aligned with NGSS 6-LS1-1: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes)

---

Standards Addressed

• NGSS MS-LS1-1: Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function.
• NGSS MS-LS1-2: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how cells and organelles support life processes.

---

Lesson Overview

This 45-minute lesson engages 6th-grade students in a review of cell structures and organelles through direct instruction, interactive discussion, and a hands-on task card activity designed to reinforce their understanding of organelle functions and cellular teamwork.

---

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed sets of interactive task cards (1 set per pair of students)
• Colored pencils or markers
• Student science notebooks

---

Time Breakdown

1. Introduction & Learning Target (5 minutes)

• Write the learning target on the board.
• Read aloud and discuss the “I can” and “By” statements with students.
• Briefly activate prior knowledge by asking:
  "What do you remember about cells and their parts?"

2. Mini-Lesson & Model Discussion (10 minutes)

• Show a clear diagram of a typical plant and animal cell on the board.
• Review major organelles (nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, cell membrane, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, vacuoles).
• Explain their functions using simple, relatable analogies (e.g., mitochondria as the cell’s power plants).
• Emphasize how organelles work together to keep the cell alive.
• Use the NGSS model example: "Cells are like tiny cities, where each organelle has a specific job."

3. Interactive Task Card Activity (20 minutes)

• Setup: Students work in pairs. Each pair receives a set of 10 task cards.

• Task Card Examples:

  • Card 1: “Describe the function of the mitochondria.”
  • Card 2: “Which organelle acts like a factory making proteins?”
  • Card 3: “Draw and label a chloroplast.”
  • Card 4: “Explain how the cell membrane helps the cell stay alive.”
  • Card 5: “Match this description to the correct organelle: 'stores water and nutrients.'”

• Instructions:

  • Students take turns drawing a card and reading it aloud.
  • They then answer, discuss, or draw based on the card prompt.
  • Encourage peer teaching by having partners explain concepts to each other.
  • Pass through the class providing support and asking probing questions.

• NGSS Alignment: By actively using task cards, students engage in model development (NGSS MS-LS1-1) and explanation (NGSS MS-LS1-2).

4. Group Share and Reflection (7 minutes)

• Invite pairs to share one interesting fact or drawing from their task cards.
• Discuss any misconceptions or surprising discoveries.
• Have students write a quick exit statement in their notebooks: “One way organelles work together to keep a cell alive is...”

5. Assessment and Closure (3 minutes)

• Collect exit statements for formative assessment.
• Restate the learning target and ask students to raise their hands if they achieved it.
• Preview that next lesson will explore cell growth and division.

---

Differentiation

• Provide vocabulary word banks for ELL and special education students.
• Allow drawings instead of written answers where needed.
• Advanced students can create additional task cards as homework for review.

---

Connections to Social Studies Reading Comprehension Grade 6

Although this is a science lesson, the task card activity incorporates reading comprehension skills by requiring students to read carefully, infer organelle functions, and explain in their own words—skills directly transferrable to social studies critical reading.

---

Extension Idea (Optional Homework)

• Have students create a labeled “cell city” poster summarizing all organelles and their "jobs" with creative drawings.

---

This lesson plan ensures a comprehensive, interactive, and NGSS-aligned approach to reviewing cell organelles with 6th graders, enhancing both their scientific understanding and foundational reading comprehension skills.