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This How Many Cells Are in the Human Body? lesson plan also includes:
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Investigating the large numbers of science is the task in a simple but deep activity. Given a one-sentence problem set-up and some basic assumptions, the class sets off on an open-ended investigation that really gives some context to all the big numbers that get thrown around a math or science class. Emphasis on practice with conversion formulas and ideas of mass vs. volume vs. density links to any level of high school science.
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CCSS:
Designed
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Instructional Ideas
- Calculate cell count for a variety of animals
- Link to a science unit on Avogadro's number, and convert the number of cells to number of moles of cells
- Perform calculation for other cell shapes, noticing how this changes the approximation answer at the end
Classroom Considerations
- Might need to exercise sensitivity with regard to weight and potential triggering of learners with eating disorders or obesity issues. Giving an alternate of another animal's mass for calculations is a possible solution
- Class will most likely need significant guidance to get from the simple problem set up to the more complicated result
Pros
- Open-ended activity forces development of mathematical attack strategy
- Practice working with large numbers and reasonableness checks
Cons
- Problem set-up not on a separate page or in worksheet format