Apologia Biology: Cell Structure Module 4 and Module 6

I’m evaluating the new Apologia Biology textbook, the 3rd edition.  Module 4 in the 3rd edition and Module 6 in the 2nd edition are Cell Structure and Function.  First have your kids make  plant and animal cell models.  I prefer clay models with beans, buttons, and pipe cleaners for organelles.  I loathe Jello models; they ooze everywhere. I don’t care that Jell-O or Knox represent the cytoplasm well.   Edible Models with cake or cookies are fun.  Cookie and  cake decorating aren’t my passion.  (Here is our Periodic Cookie Disaster from last summer.). My kids color animal and plant cells.  Like the models, it helps the kids to look at the diagrams closely.  

The 3rd edition has a microscope slide lab in which the kids look at cheek cells, onion, Elodea, and banana cells.  Here is a lab comparing onion cells and Elodea.  Here is a cheek cell lab.  Here is an egg osmosis lab which is similar to the osmosis lab in the 3rd edition.  The 2nd edition has two microscope slide labs.  Experiment 6.1 has students make cork and onion slides and examine Hydra, Ranunculus, and Zea prepared slides.  Experiment 6.2 is preparing and studying banana and Elodea slides.  The Apologia Biology Prepared Slides Set is pricey.  These slides and this set have plant and animal slides to observe.  

The 3rd edition has a Plasmolysis lab with Elodea.  One note—Elodea can be purchased at the Pet store.  Spinach leaves can substitute for Elodea.  They are much cheaper and easier to buy.