Cells by Ellen McHenry
Sample Chapters: Ch 1, Ch 2, Ch 3 | Sample Activities
Even though many of the topics are high school level, Ellen presents them in a way that middle schoolers can understand. The hands-on activities, colorful illustrations, and clever explanations make even tricky science ideas clear and memorable.
What Students Will Learn
The 102-page student text is packed with fascinating topics like:
- How cells were discovered
- What cell membranes are made of
- How cells get energy and use it
- DNA, proteins, and how they’re made
- Different types of body cells
- How cells grow, divide, and do their jobs
- You’ll also learn about digestion, metabolism, and how cells keep your body running smoothly. Big ideas are explained in clear, simple language—no need for a science background!
Hands-On Fun That Makes It Stick
The 108-page teacher section is full of engaging activities, crafts, games, and experiments. These aren’t just for fun (though they are fun!)—they help students truly understand what they’re learning.
Activities include:
Games & Crafts:
- “Motor Protein Relay Race”
- “Translation Relay Race”
- “Roller Coaster Review”
- Jeopardy-style game
- “Supply Chain” board game
- Cell bingo
Creative Projects:
- Edible fluid mosaic model
- Phospholipid ornament
- ATP synthase paper model
- Mitosis flip book
- DNA model (with all atoms!)
- Cell “mini-mural”
Labs & Experiments:
- DNA extraction
- Virtual DNA labs (online)
- Transcription and translation hands-on simulation
- Membrane models and simulations
- Edible Golgi bodies
- tRNA cookies (yes, cookies!)
Whether you’re teaching one child or multiple children, these activities are flexible and easy to adapt. Many group games can be modified for just one or two students.
Video Support Included
For extra help and cool visuals, Ellen has created a free YouTube playlist to go along with the course. Just visit: YouTube.com/TheBasementWorkshop and look for the “Cells” playlist.
These videos aren’t required, but they’re a great bonus.
Cells is perfect for homeschool families or anyone who wants a solid, engaging introduction to cell biology. It’s not just reading—it’s building, experimenting, racing, drawing, and discovering. And best of all—it’s science that sticks!
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