CELL

An Inquiry-
Based Learning Kit
In Science 7

Learning Competency:

Explain why the Cell is considered all organisms' basic structural and functional unit.

Prepared by:
Pacapac, Marie Joy

UNP – College of Teacher Education

BSEd Science 4

GUIDE CARD
CELL
 This instructional material was made and designed to facilitate the implementation of an
instrument-based lesson in Grade 7 and to simplify and give life to the lesson in Biology.
At the end of the implementation of the instructional-based lesson and through the aid of the
learning materials, you should be able to explain why the cell is considered the basic structural
and functional unit of all organisms

(S7LT-IIe-5)
Specifically, you should be able to:
a) Explain conceptually the notion of a cell.
b) Identify the structures of a cell.
c) Compare the functions of different organelles of a cell.
d) Explain the contemplation of the cell as the basic and structural and functional unit of all
organisms.
e) Discover the importance of cells.
For you to acquire the competency and perform the given subtasks, you are going to perform
the activities on the following inquiry stages:

1. Engage Card: Video Presentation: Structure of a Cell and Its Functions and Why is Cell
Considered as the Basic Unit of Life?
2. Explore Card: Uncovering a cell’s basic structures and functions through instructional
learning materials.
3. Explain the Card: Making Sense with Cheek Cell Experiment
4. Elaborate Card: Concept Analysis: Analyzing Functions Through Illustrations and
Keywords.
5. Evaluate: Assessment: Multiple Choice and Essay

This is a one-hour inquiry lesson. Do your best and have fun!

Primary Inquiry Question

Can all parts of the cell be seen with the naked eye?

ENGAGE CARD
ENGAGE CARD
CELL

Comics: Curiosity Empowers Knowledge: A Cell Related Comic Strip

An Introduction to Cells
Inquiry Questions:
1. Why do you think cells are called the basic unit of life?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. How do you think cells are related to the human body? and to all living organisms?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
 3. What do you think is the importance of cell to all living organisms?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

EXPLORE CARD
CELL

Zoom Me Out!
Uncovering the Structures of the Cell Through Cheek Cell Experiment

Objective:
To determine and observe the structures of a cell through experiments.
Science Concept
1. Cell - the basic membrane-bound unit that contains the fundamental molecules of life
and of which all living things are composed.
2. Structure of a Cell – a cell has three main structures which are Nucleus, Cell
Membrane, Cytoplasm, and Cytoplasmic Organelles.
3. Function of a Cell - They provide structure and support, facilitate growth through
mitosis, allow passive and active transport, produce energy, create metabolic
reactions, and aid reproduction.

Materials:
1. Microscope
2. Toothpick
3. Glass slide
4. Coverslip
5. Dropper
6. Methylene Blue
Procedure:
1. Gently scrape with a toothpick at the inside of your cheek and then smear it onto
the slide.
2. Add a drop of Methylene Blue at the spot where you smeared the toothpick.
3. Drop the coverslip onto the Methylene Blue at a 45° angle so that there is a very small
amount of air bubbles.
4. Move the slide onto the stage of the microscope and adjust the fine and coarse
adjustment knob until the cells are visible.
Sketch the cell at low and high power. Label the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane of a
single cell. Draw your cells to your scale.

Low Power High Power

EXPLAIN CARD

Cell

MAKING SENSE
Analyze the question based on your findings and provide a clear conclusion.

1. Why is methylene blue necessary?

 _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. The light microscope used in the lab is not powerful enough to view other
organelles in the check cell. What parts of the cell were visible?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
3. List 2 organelles that were NOT visible but have been in the cheek cell.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
4. Is the cheek cell a eukaryote or prokaryote? How do you know?

CONCLUSION:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

ELABORATE
CARD
CELL

CONCEPT ANALYSIS – Define what is being asked in just a single up to

three words.
Analyze the situation in each picture and provide a single up to three words that
can define each subject.
 SUBJECT DEFINITION (1-3 words only)
1. Cell

2. Multicellular organisms

3. Nerve Cell or Neuron

4. Sperm Cell

5. Muscle Cell
 EVALUATE CARD

CELL

ASSESSMENT
Read the statements carefully and provide the correct answer on the space
provided

I. Fill in the blanks

1. A muscle cell is also known as a ____________ when referring to either a cardiac

muscle cell (____________) or a ____________ muscle cell as these are both
small cells.
There are three types of muscle cells: _______, ________,
and _________

2. __________________ carry oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our bodies. Then
they make the return trip, taking _____________ back to our lungs to be exhaled.
3. ____________ is the male reproductive cell, or gamete, in ___________forms
of sexual reproduction.
4. Neurons, also known as ______________, send and receive signals from your brain.
While neurons have a lot in common with other types of cells, they’re
__________and ___________unique.
5. _______________________, like plants and animals, originate from single cells.
Through division, new cells are produced. As the multicellular organism develops, the
cells undergo modification and become specialized for a specific function. The
process of change is called __________________. These changes may involve the
shape, size, and internal structures of the cell to suit a specific function.
II. True or False
Write T if the statement is correct otherwise F if wrong.

1. Cell is the fundamental unit of life.

2. As the multicellular organism dies, the cells undergo modification and become
specialized for a specific function.
3. Red Blood Cells are also called erythrocytes.
4. Just 1 drop of blood can contain about one billion red blood cells.
5. White blood cells are a part of your immune system that protects your body from
infection.
6. White blood cells manifest in your brain and respond to injury or illness.
7. The purpose of a sperm cell is to be released during sexual intercourse and to
eventually meet with an ovula (egg cell), which is produced by a biologically female
body.
8. Neurons is also known as nerve cells.
9. Specialized projections called axons allow neurons to absorb electrical and chemical
signals to other cells.
10. Neurons can also receive these signals via rootlike extensions known as dendrons.