Interdependence Lab-You Need Me and I Need You! Cell Structures Interactions

This lab is aligned to NGSS (NYSSLS) with standards listed on the first page. Students will review a given set of plant cell structures, and using those structures, they will choose 3 total groupings of cell structures that work together to carry out a life process(es). Each grouping must have a minimum of 3 cells parts with a maximum of 6, and 2 of the 3 groupings must contain the chloroplast and/or mitochondria. These life processes are vital for proper functioning of the tissues, organs, systems and thus homeostasis of the entire plant. Once their 'notes' data chart is completed, groups will construct their own models (posters) to show how these structures work together within the cell to maintain homeostasis. From there, students will explain their models in text by constructing their own paragraph. And lastly, students will use their models (and other group's models too) to describe an interaction where energy is being transferred from system of interacting molecules to another, an interaction where matter is reacting and being stored in newly made structures and an interaction demonstrating how the flow of information is needed to carry out an essential life function. An answer key is included.