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Powerhouse of the Cell Lesson Plan
Summary: Powerhouse of the Cell is a single player game that helps
students understand the process by which energy is created in the
mitochondrion.
Introduction
The production of ATP within mitochondria is one
of the most important cellular processes.
Nonetheless, memorizing the process, complexes,
and molecules involved is not a lot of fun. But the
process by which energy is created is reminiscent of
games within the ‘infinite runner’ genre (think
Temple Run). Therefore, to make learning the
concepts a bit more enjoyable, we decided to make
students in charge of the energy creation process.
While playing, students are familiarized with the names of the different complexes, how
molecules are used by different complexes, and the different chemical reactions that
happen as molecules move through each complex.
Students are asked questions during and after
gameplay to see how well they have learned the
concepts and how well they have retained them.
Powerhouse of the Cell is thus the perfect study tool
and concept refresher prior to a test.
Using Powerhouse of the Cell
We suggest that you assign Powerhouse of the Cell
as homework either prior to or after teaching
mitosis. If assigned prior to the lesson, students will
likely be familiar with the basic concepts, which
means that conversations about the concepts can
be more in-depth in class.
Downloading the data prior to the lesson or during
the class after students have played will allow you
to understand where students are having trouble
and which concepts need to be reinforced in class.
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