Instructional Software Lesson Idea

Lesson Idea Name: Cell Parts and Functions

Grade Level/Content Area: 7th grade life science
Content Standard Addressed:
MS-LS1-2. Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways the parts
of cells contribute to the function. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on the cell functioning as a
whole system and the primary role of identified parts of the cell, specifically the nucleus,
chloroplasts, mitochondria, cell membrane, and cell wall.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment of
organelle structure/function relationships is limited to the cell wall and cell membrane. Assessment
of the function of the other organelles is limited to their relationship to the whole cell. Assessment
does not include the biochemical function of cells or cell parts.]
ISTE Technology Standard Addressed:  What would you like students to know and be
1.1 Empowered Learner able to do by the end of this lesson:
1.3 Knowledge Constructor I would like the students to know the basic
1.5Computational Thinker functions of organelles in each plant and animal
cells. The students should know how cells
function as a system and be able to draw and
label plant and animal cells.
What is the student learning goal for this lesson idea?
I can create models of my own plant and animal cells, with the organelles labelled.
I can compare/contrast between a plant and an animal cell, and how each organelle plays a role in
carrying out life processes.
Selected Instructional Software Tool: Khan Academy

Description of Software: Khan Academy is a free website or app where teachers can assign videos
and articles to classes. It has formative checks imbedded within the activities that assess student
learning. Teachers can monitor student progress, and students can earn badges and mastery points
for motivation and engagement.

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable): https://www.khanacademy.org/join/K8EW7ZN8

Type of Instructional Software

☒ Drill and Practice ☐ Tutorial ☐ Simulation ☐ Instructional Game ☐ e-books/e-references

Features of this software (check all that apply):

☒ Assessment Monitoring/Reporting
☒ Allows teacher to create customized lessons for students
☐ Multi-user or collaborative functions with others in the class
☐ Multi-user or collaborative with others outside the class
☒ Accessible to students beyond the school day
☒ Accessible via mobile devices
☒ Multiple languages
☒ Safety, security and/or privacy features

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☒ Applying ☐ Analyzing ☐ Evaluating ☐ Creating
SBooker, 2022
 Instructional Software Lesson Idea

How do you plan to implement this lesson and integrate the technology? Check all that apply:

☒ Teacher-led: There is no student voice and choice in the activities. Students are guided by the teacher's
direction and expectations. Learning activities are assigned to the student and mostly practice based.
☐ Student-Led: Students are given voice and choice in the activities. They may select the topic of learning
and/or determine the tool they will use to meet the learning goal. The teacher facilitates the learning as
the students direct their own learning processes.
☐ Problem-based and/or Publishable: Students are solving problems and completing projects to
demonstrate their learning. Additionally, the projects can be shared outside of the classroom. (Note: This
objective could be reached by displaying the project on the school’s morning newscast, posting the project
to the classroom blog, presenting it to another class, or publishing it via an outside source.)
How will you connect this topic to students’ prior knowledge as you teach?
Students will use their prior knowledge on what living things are, and how they are different
from nonliving or dead things. Khan academy is a great resource to use because it gets students
actively involved in their learning. It has great video tutorials with certified instructors that explain
concepts in an organized, student friendly manner. Students can extend their note-taking skills as
they have control over playing and pausing the videos. The practice questions and quizzes also give
students opportunities to apply and elaborate on their prior knowledge.
Lesson idea implementation:
I would use this software for a flipped classroom model. I think this site will be valuable to flip
the classroom for it provides videos where students can pause and go back anytime during
instruction. Khan academy has great videos that explain concepts with engaging images. I would
assign students a section of the video and a short quiz that follows for homework. In the following
day of class, I am hoping students walk in with a deeper background knowledge that encourages
them to further extend and evaluate during class when present with the instructor in person.
I would plan on introducing this software by teaching students how to access assignments, how
they can keep track of their progress, expectations on completing the assigned materials for
homework, and providing feedback on a weekly basis. I believe this will build autonomy in which
students will take charge of their own learning. I will provide incentives for students who have
completed the assignment by taking it up for a grade or providing bonus points for completion. I will
plan on incorporating at least one Khan academy assignment per big topic in the unit or to target
certain standards in which students may need extra support in.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Reflection:
Utilizing this software helps me reach different learning styles. It provides differentiation in that
student who have mastered certain information will be challenged on to the next set of practice
questions. Khan academy helps me support ALL my students for students have control over the
language and the time they would like to complete the assignment. It provides multiple means of
representation via images, models, notes, and videos. This software helps support engagement for
the videos are eye-catching and appealing to watch. Also, this site tracks student progress with
badges and mastery points. The representation of action and expression components of the UDL
framework can also be supported using this technology tool. Students are exposed to content in a
way they may have not seen or perceived it from. I believe that Khan academy can be used in a
successful way with students if implemented correctly. In the digital age without class textbooks, I
believe Khan academy is a great tool to assign homework assignments. Students can take notes at
home, review for tests, catch ideas that were misunderstood, and master content at their own pace.

SBooker, 2022