Big ideas focusing on any misconceptions and difficulties that students hold in Natural Science and how to overcome those difficulties to make it easier for learners to grasp knowledge.

1. Big Ideas
The Cell
By KULSOOM ANJUM

2. What is a big Idea?
 Conceptual content
 Developing broad ideas about science
 Key ideas
 Understanding events and
phenomena
 Relevance to students lives
 Take home idea

3. 1. What do you intent the
learners to learn about the
big idea?
Big idea 1:
All living matter is made up of cells.
Big idea 2:
Cells are made up of organelles with
different functions.
Big idea 3:
There is a difference between a plant and
animal cell.

4. 2. Why is it important for
learners to know this?
Big idea 1:
Cells = Life.
Big idea 2:
Plant and animal cells have different organelles.
Big idea 3:
The organelles in plant and animals cells have
different functions.

5. 3. What else do you know about
this idea (that you do not intent
the learners to know yet)?
Big idea 1:
The formation of tissues, organs, systems.
Big idea 2:
Stem Cells

6. 4. What difficulties/limitations
are connected with teaching this
idea?
Big idea 1:
Seeing is believing (No microscope available in
certain schools). The concept of something so
small could be difficult for learners to grasp.
Big idea 2:
2D - images could give the wrong perceptions of
how the cell actually works.

7. 5. What knowledge do you have
about learners thinking which
influence your teaching of this
idea?
Big idea 1:
Grade 9 learners thinking capacity with
regards to complex concepts not yet fully
developed.
Big idea 2:
Learners with certain religious backgrounds
might not accept and understand certain
scientific explanations like that of the cell (no
need for such processes when there is greater
power at work).

8. 6. What other factors influence
you teaching this idea?
Big idea 1:
Dealing with many different learners
backgrounds.
Big idea 2:
Dealing with many learners conceptions
(ideas) at once.

9. 7. What teaching procedures
would you use (and particular
reasons for using these) to
engage with this idea?
Big idea 1:
Video
Big idea 2:
Poster
Big idea 3:
3D - Model

10. 8. Which specific ways would you use
of ascertaining learners’
understanding (not confusion) about
this idea?
Big idea 1:
Building a 3D Model. Will ascertain
understanding to an extent.
Big idea 2:
Have a questioning session, asking
questions like why does a plant have a
chloroplast and if they answer because it
makes its own food it will show some
understanding.