Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

Science
B.4A Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. (Supporting Standard.)
English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS)
Learning Strategies: 1A - Use prior knowledge and experiences to understand
meanings in English.
Listening: 2A - Distinguish sounds and intonation patterns of English with increasing
ease.
Speaking: 3A- Practice producing sounds of newly acquired vocabulary such as long
and short vowels, silent letters, and consonant clusters to pronounce English words
in a manner that is increasingly comprehensible.
Student Expectation
The student is expected to compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Key Concepts
Cells are the basic units of life; living organisms are composed of one or more
cells. Cell theory states that new cells are formed from old cells.
Prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus, are generally smaller than
eukaryotic cells, and are classified by their shape: rod, spherical, or spiral.
Eukaryotic cells are more complex than prokaryotic cells and have
membrane-bound organelles including mitochondria, lysosomes, vacuoles,
endoplasmic reticulum, a Golgi body, and in the case of plants, chloroplasts
and a large central vacuole.
Eukaryotic cells are found in protists, fungi, plants, and animals; the specific
functions that drive their growth and metabolism are performed by
organelles.
Fundamental Questions
What is cell theory?
What are the similarities between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
What makes eukaryotic cells more complex than prokaryotic cells?
How do eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells compare in terms of size?
What roles do organelles play in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?
What are the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
Scope Summary
ESSENTIALS
Pre-Assessment
Students answer five multiple-choice questions drawing on general prior knowledge.
ENGAGE

Students review their ability to identify and differentiate between prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells.
Starters

A variety of introductory activities designed to get students thinking about

prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells through Compare and Contrast, Cell Differentiation,
and Size Limiting Factors exercises.
EXPLORE
A descriptive investigation where students use prepared slides and a microscope to
make direct observations to identify, compare, and contrast prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells.
EXPLAIN
Question Prompts
Question ideas and example student responses for each level of Blooms Taxonomy
related to the Explore activity.
Vocabulary
Picture Vocabulary with a Scope Vocabulary Game to learn and review key
vocabulary for prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Progress Monitoring Assessment
A multiple-choice assessment with dual-coded questions to address key concepts in
this scope.
STEMscopediaTM
A bilingual science companion highlighting prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells through
the Reflect, Look Out, What Do You Think, Everyday Life, and What Do You Know
sections.
ELABORATE
Next Step Inquiry
Students describe the size differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Reading Science
Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells: Students read about the structural similarities and
differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Lexile 980L
Web Surfing Science

Students search provided internet resources for information on differences in

prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, a cells cytoskeleton, and the Endosymbiotic
Theory using a prepared Web Treasure Hunt.
Math Connections
A set of math challenges specific to prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Engineering Connections
Students design and create three-dimensional model of a cell using a systematic
process to complete the engineering challenge.
EVALUATE
Post-Assessment
A multiple-choice and open-ended response standards-based assessment based on
readiness and supporting standards with dual-coded questions.
Open-Ended Response
A short-answer and essay assessment to evaluate student mastery of the concept.
Scope Review Game
An interactive game that can be played individually, or as a class, to review
prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Concept Builder
Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell Model Comparison: Students create a model and
written description of a bacterial cell and an animal cell in order to compare their
structures.
Writing Science
Students look at a diagram of a prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, think about
everyday examples that illustrate prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and write about
the differences between the two using prompts.
INTERVENTION
Guided Practice
Students create a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells along with completing a Graphic Organizer with questions response
in a small group and teacher-guided activity to reinforce prokaryotic and eukaryotic
cells concepts.
Concept Attainment Quiz

A multi-format quiz that allows for retesting key concepts.

CLOZE-ing on Science
A fill-in-the-blank paragraph to help with the mastery of vocabulary and concepts
for prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.