Activity Detail
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Activity Overview

In this activity, students calculate the surface area and volume of different shaped cell models. They develop an understanding of the differences in cells and their function

Before the Activity

  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 13 - 22 from the attached PDF file for your class

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to your class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Enter the diameter of different sized spherical cell in a list
  • Use a formula to calculate surface area and volume of each spherical cell
  • Enter the edge length measurement for different sized cube-shaped cells
  • Calculate the surface area and volume of the cube-shaped cells
  • Plot a graph of volume versus surface area/volume ratio
  • Understand the relationship between the surface area and the volume of a cell
  • Explore how animals in different environments have different shapes

    		After the Activity

    		Students will complete Student Data Collection and Analysis Sheet.

    Review student results
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary

    		Other Downloads




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    Subject Area:
    Science : Biology : Interactions

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    9-12

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family

    Apps:
     

    Software:
     

    Accessories:
     

    Other:
    This is Activity 2 from the EXPLORATIONS Book: Biology with the TI-83 Plus.

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