If you have yet to
hear "why do I need to learn this" or "when will I ever need to
know this again?" You will. It may only take a day or two in the
classroom. Teenagers live in a self-centered world where, of course, we all
lived in at one point. They want to know how taking this 40 minutes or in my
case 90 minutes out of their valuable 24-hour day is going to directly benefit
them.
So the question I pose to you is "why do I (pretending I am now 15) need to know cell biology?" Look over our syllabus for the course & the topics we will be reviewing together. Answer as if you were answering the sometimes daily question from your teenage class and let them know the benefit of understanding this content not only now but in the future.
The rationale for learning is so important. I have my student teachers include this as part of their lesson plans so they are aimed with the knowledge to answer the "why" each and every day.
So the question I pose to you is "why do I (pretending I am now 15) need to know cell biology?" Look over our syllabus for the course & the topics we will be reviewing together. Answer as if you were answering the sometimes daily question from your teenage class and let them know the benefit of understanding this content not only now but in the future.
The rationale for learning is so important. I have my student teachers include this as part of their lesson plans so they are aimed with the knowledge to answer the "why" each and every day.
You need to know cell biology because you are made up of cells! Without cells you would not exist. You are all aware that your bodies contain organs and those organs are made up of muscles, which are made up of tissues. The tissues are made up of cells! Inside the cells is an organelle called the nucleus and inside the nucleus is DNA. DNA is what makes you different from your friend, your neighbor, your brother, etc. Without cells, you wouldn't be you!
ReplyDeleteRebecca Hauser
With so many bacteria in the world why wouldn't you want to know the bacteria reproduce, change and affect you? Just a little knowledge about cells can help you to decrease the chance of catching a disease, or understand how the disease can impact you. You may not need to know everything taught, but at some point in time, the little bit of knowledge that you retained will help you understand future problems.
ReplyDeleteBeth, I agree with you. I would also explain the importance of bacteria in regards to cells. Students need to understand how bacteria are spread and how they reproduce. Bacteria are everywhere! Even though the students can’t see it, they are encountering it everywhere they go and need to understand how cells function in order to take the appropriate precautionary measures. I usually like to share my own stories in the classroom for students to relate to. I actually became very ill last year and used my own health issue as a teaching and learning experience for my students. They are much more attentive and engaged when they are able to relate to it or know of someone in their life who has experienced something of that subject matter. Usually, when I start to share my own experiences, they can begin to think of their own encounters or experiences with the topic. Before you know it, they begin to realize that the topic we are learning about in class has everything to do with their life!
DeleteJillian, I didn't think about stressing connection between bacteria and cells. I also I totally agree that using life experiences to demonstrate the usefullness and makes the topic and learning more applicable. Everytime I have a chance to use a personal experience or student relative topic, the students make a better connection and remember it.
DeleteBeth, I like your approach to bacteria. I would add to your explanation of why students need to understand bacteria. I would start by asking...
ReplyDeleteHow many of you have ever been sick? How many of you have gone to the doctor and been prescribed an antibiotic? How many of you have had to return to the doctor because your antibiotic did not cure your illness? Did you ever wonder how the doctor knew what to prescribe you? He/she more than likely swabbed your throat, nose, etc. and grew your bacteria in a Petri dish! If he misidentified your bacteria he could have misdiagnosed you and prescribed an antibiotic that had no effect on your illness. After learning more about cells, you will get to be a "doctor" and analyze your very own bacteria and see what is lurking around the school and develop a solution to eliminate or reduce the bacteria to prevent you and your peers from getting sick.
Learning about cell biology is important because anything alive is made up of cells! Cells come in all shapes, sizes, and functions and it is important to learn about them because some are good and bad for you and its important to know which is which. Cell biology also covers DNA and DNA is what makes everyone unique and there is more to how people get certain traits then others. Learning about cells helps us learn about what is going on inside our bodies and gives us a better understanding of who we are.
ReplyDeleteCell biology is important to all aspects of life. Cells make you the living organism that you are. They are what you feel, think, move, etc. with Cells come in various forms, all of which are important. In cell biology, we learn about a large amount of topics that are all related directly to you. The way your body functions is entirely dependent on cells. In cells, you have the blue print for.. well you. The DNA is the "code" that the cell uses to make proteins and genes that make you what you are, how you are, and help dictate how you act and think. If we understand what happens on the cellular level, we can better understand what is happening on a more macroscopic level, and potentially save lives as a result.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Ali: If i were you, I would talk up the genetics part a little more. If you are trying to get students to be excited to learn about something you might want to draw attention to it and make it seem exciting.
I like how you really made it about the student and why it is important to them personally not just in general. Kids are always trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in so telling them that DNA is what helps decide that may be a very effective approach. I also like that you threw in a life or death scenario too. That makes Biology seem very serious to know!
DeleteWhen teaching, I always come across a few students who ask the questions, “Why do I need to know this?” or “How does this affect me?” Personally, I believe the best way to answer this question is to relate it to the child’s everyday life. The significance of science, in general, is fairly easy to explain because science is all around us! However, sometimes it’s difficult for students to understand the importance of certain topics in science (for example, cell biology) because the students do not “see” it on a daily basis. We all know that we can view cells under a microscope, but really think about it! A student will probably only look at real cells 5-10 times during their lifetime unless they specifically pursue a biology degree. Those 5-10 times will probably be in their required biology course during the hormonal years of high school when they are focused on their relationships and social life.
ReplyDeleteWith that being said, I would address the question by explaining that everyone is made up of cells! Cells contain DNA (the genetic code) which makes each student unique. Students need to understand that there a many types of cells with certain functions that help them carry out their daily activities and sometimes interfere with their daily activities by making them sick. I would also stress that they need to be knowledgeable about cells because everyone goes to the doctor for a routine checkup or because he or she may become ill. Having the background knowledge of cells is key in order to understand what the doctor is explaining to them about their own body. As a result, they can make the correct decisions about their health and prevent infection. Throughout some point in their life, they may be receiving a white or red blood cell count, testing positive for strep throat, experiencing fertility issues, or unfortunately finding out that they or family members have developed cancer. All these previous things deal with cells and they need to have a basic understanding of what cells are and how they operate. As a result, they will be able to ask their doctor the appropriate questions. Scientists and the medical field haven’t reached the advancements today without studying cells.
I think this answers the question "why do we need to know this?" really well! I like the point you made about that students don't necessarily understand things that they can't, see like cells, and just because they can't see them doesn't make it less important. The example of medicine that you use to tie everything back to cell biology will really engage students too. It will definitely make them think!
DeleteCell biology and biology in general are vitally important in our everyday life. Biology is literally the study of life. Without an understanding it, we wouldn't know what makes us us! Every living thing on this planet is composed of cells. In order to understand the living world better, you must first understand what cells are and their structure and function. Being aware of these things will help you answer some of the many questions of life. Such as, why do you need to eat fruits and vegetables, how do plants grow, why do I need to wash my hands, why is her hair blonde and mine is brunette? These questions and many many more are all answered through biology,.
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