Memorization is Not As Important as Understanding

Structure and function is a key concept in today’s biology class. This article describes an activity that starts with a classroom discussion (dialog included) followed by students learning ... See More

Structure and function is a key concept in today’s biology class. This article describes an activity that starts with a classroom discussion (dialog included) followed by students learning about organelles that are assigned to them. The author states that to understand the relationship between structure and function surpasses the need to know the exact name of a structure. The following quote ends this article: “After all, as Henri Poincare wrote, “Science is built up of facts as a house is of stones, but a collection of facts is no more a science than a pile of stones is a house” (1908).

Listen to your students' ideas

I love the focus in this activity on really listening to your students. Instead of just telling them what organelles are and what they do, this teacher has students explore the structure, f... See More

I love the focus in this activity on really listening to your students. Instead of just telling them what organelles are and what they do, this teacher has students explore the structure, function and mechanisms involved so that they can construct an understanding of the cell. If we don't give them a chance to discuss and talk, we won't see the depth of their understanding (or misunderstanding). Love it!