Panic! at the Microscope
CELLS TO ORGANISMS STORYLINE TWO
After a bout with dysentery, Ethan Scott is terrified that the single-celled organisms responsible for his illness might be lurking anywhere and everywhere, just waiting for an opportunity to sicken him again! With Nurse Marysol's help, the player must put Ethan Scott's fears to rest.
NGSS Alignment
This storyline aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards at MS-LS1-1 and MS-LS1-2.
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Real World Connections
This storyline concerns cell anatomy and introduces the functions of animal cell organelles.
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Storyline Walkthrough Overview
Where are Cells?
Students help Ethan Scott understand where cells can be found by looking at various types of matter under a microscope. When Ethan Scott is hurled into an existential crisis after learning that he himself is comprised solely of cells, students must perform a more in-depth investigation to find out more about different types of cells, and why nearly all of them are incapable of causing humans to develop amoebic dysentery.
When Good Cells Go Bad
Though most cellular activities are harmless to humans, some--like those which cause amoebic dysentery--can be harmful, or even fatal! With Marysol's guidance, students learn more about the ways that cells can malfunction, via mutations (like cancer) or inherited illnesses (like sickle cell anemia.)