Cells and Living Things WebQuest
Virginia Science SOL 5.5

Introduction / Your Task /  Resources / Helpful Hints
Process / Evaluation / Conclusion / Culminating Activities

Introduction
All organisms are made up of cells and have distinguishing characteristics. How are you different from other organisms? How are you similar? You may be surprised by the answers. You will learn about the different parts of a cell, the five kingdoms of living things, plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates.  Let's begin our exploration of cells and living things. 

Your Task
Working with a partner, research the parts of a cell and the different categories of organisms. Keep in mind these questions as you explore.

          What are the different parts of a cell? 
          What functions do the different parts of a cell perform?
          How are all living things similar? Different?
          What are the five kingdoms of living things?
          What are vertebrates and invertebrates? 

Resources
Microsoft Encarta CD-ROM
Parts of a Cell: http://vilenski.org/science/safari 
                          http://www.cellsalive.com/
                          http://www.biology4kids.com/files/cell_main.html
Five Kingdoms of Living Things: http://vilenski.org/science/safari 
                                                        http://www.biology4kids.com/

Helpful Hints
As you research each topic watch for the hints that are given to help you focus your search. Transfer all your worksheet notes carefully and completely. You will use these notes to complete a word processing assignment. Always remember to credit the source of your information.

Process
      1. Choose a partner or one will be chosen for you.
        2. Follow the directions for each section carefully.
        3. Remember to follow the helpful hints.

   Parts of a Cell
            1. Create a four column chart on your practice worksheet. 
               2. Label the columns: Parts of a Cell / Cell Functions / Animal / Plant
               3. In the first column list the parts of a cell. Use the example below to help you.
               4. In the second column, describe the function of each cell part by comparing it to 
                   something else. Create a simile for each. (____ is like a ____ because....)
                   Example: A cell membrane is like a fence because it surrounds the cell 
                                     and only allows certain materials to enter and leave the cell. 
               5. In the third and fourth columns, place a checkmark in the box if the cell part is
                   present in animals or plants. If the cell part is present in both, check both boxes. 

              6. Use the following Web site to research the parts of a cell:
                   http://vilenski.org/science/safari
                   Helpful Hint: Click to begin the safari, go to plants, explore the parts of a
                   cell by clicking on each, return to the main menu, go to animals, compare
                   the parts of a cell listed with the list for plants.
               7. For additional research, use the following Web sites:
                   http://www.cellsalive.com/ and http://www.biology4kids.com/files/cell_main.html. 
               8. When you complete your practice worksheet, transfer the information by word 
                   processing or to a spreadsheet. Add an appropriate graphic for the finishing 
                   touch. Be sure to credit your sources.

   Five Kingdoms of Living Things
               1. Answer the following questions on your practice worksheet. Write the questions
                   and remember to be neat!
                   List the five characteristics all living things share.
                            http://vilenski.org/science/safari/charoflife/charoflife.html
                  List the seven categories used to classify living things. How can you 
                            remember the order?
                            http://vilenski.org/science/safari/classifyall/classify_all.html
                  List the five kingdoms of living things. Give an example for each.
                            http://biology4kids.com/files/studies_kingdoms.html
                   List three characteristics for each of the following:
                                1. Bacteria
                                     http://biology4kids.com/files/micro_bacteria.html
                                     http://vilenski.org/science/safari/bacteria/bacteria.html
                                 2. Protists
                                     http://biology4kids.com/files/micro_protozoa.html
                                     http://vilenski.org/science/safari/protista/protists.html
                                 3. Fungi
                                     http://biology4kids.com/files/micro_fungi.html
                                     http://vilenski.org/science/safari/fungus/fungus.html
                                 4. Plants
                                     http://biology4kids.com/files/plants_main.html
                                     http://vilenski.org/science/safari/plants/plant.html
                                 5. Animals 
                                     http://vilenski.org/science/safari/animals/index.html
                 What are vertebrates and invertebrates? Give five examples for each.
                            http://vilenski.org/science/safari/animals/other/classify_animals.html
                 What are the three types of symmetry used to classify animals?
                           http://vilenski.org/science/safari/animals/other/classify_animals.html
                 What type of animal are you? How do you know? Use information from 
                           your research to support your answer.

               2. When you complete your practice worksheet, transfer the information by using 
                    Inspiration! Your central idea should be Five Kingdoms of Living Things. 
                    Organize the rest of your research around this central idea. All of the information
                    you have found should be included. Use graphics to add a finishing touch. 
                    Be sure to credit your sources.

Evaluation  
Your evaluation will be based on the accuracy and completeness of the data gathered in your research and your class presentation. As always, do your best work! Keep in mind that you will be turning in two assignments, the Parts of a Cell Chart (word processed) and the Five Kingdoms of Living Things Inspiration! Web. 

Conclusion  
By the end of this research you should be able to answer the questions at the beginning of this WebQuest. You should have an understanding of the different parts of a cell, the five kingdoms of living things, and the similarities and differences between living things. You should also know what kind of living thing you are and be able to explain how you know.

Culminating Activities    
Turn in your finished products and then complete the following activities.
                
                  Test your skills of classification! You will enter the "Chamber of Living Things."  
                  Your mission is to correctly identify which of the five kingdoms the ten
                  organisms belong to based on the descriptions provided. 
                        1. The first step in your mission is to go to 
                             http://vilenski.org/science/notebook/unit3/classify/index.html. 
                             Read the directions carefully! 
                        2. Get a worksheet from your teacher or print a copy of the worksheet by 
                            clicking on the link at the bottom of the page. 
                        3. Now you are ready. Click on the "I'm Ready to Translate" link on the bottom
                            of the page. Read the descriptions carefully and complete the worksheet. 
                            Be sure your "evidence" is accurate.
                        4. Don't forget to complete the Order of Classification pyramid! 
                        5. Turn in your completed worksheet when you are finished.
                      

                   What does the inside of a cell really look like? Now is your chance to find out.
                   Take a virtual tour of a cell at http://www.ibiblio.org/virtualcell/index.htm
                        1. Get a worksheet from your teacher or go to Worksheet #2 and print a copy.
                        2. Click on "The Virtual Cell Tour" and begin your trip through a cell.
                        3. Use the information from the tour to complete the worksheet.  
                        4. Turn in your completed worksheet when you are finished.
        

                                                                    

                                                                                    WebQuest graphics: 
                                                                                    http://vilenski.org/science/safari/,
                                                                                    http://www.eurekascience.com/ICanDoThat/,
                                                                                    http://school.discovery.com/clipart/, and            
                                                                                    http://www.cellsalive.com/.