Single-Cell Life

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In this activity, learners create a soil and water model of a single-cell life environment and study living microorganisms. Over a period of many days, learners observe the interaction of soil, water and living organisms. This activity helps illustrate the concept that the simplest creatures consist of only one cell. This activity can be found on pages 22-23 of the activity guide. [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 7 days
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Worksheet – Single Cell Life
  • Research Sheet in Resource section (copies)
  • empty 32-ounce plastic soda bottle
  • utility knife or scissors
  • measuring cup
  • 4 cups of water
  • 2 cups of potting soil
  • cup of gravel
  • 1 rubber band
  • Plastic wrap
  • Masking tape
  • Colored markers
  • Magnifying glass or microscope (if available)
  • Small paper plates
  • eyedropper

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Cells
      • Cell Structure and Function
    • Diversity of Life
      • Protists and Fungi
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Model Building
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • Science After School Consumer's Guide

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, TERC, 2007

Funding Sources:

  • NASA, NAS5-26555
  • National Science Foundation, NSF 9730728