Mitochondria: The Powerhouses of the Cell

Are you looking for a quick science lesson for 9-12 graders? Something that will engage them and interest them...? Take a look at PBS' "The Powerhouse of the Cell." This short five minute video introduces students to something that takes place right inside their bodies thanks to mitochondria. 

Cellular respiration is the process most cells use to convert food molecules to energy. In multicellular organisms like humans and trees, cellular respiration takes place in the mitochondria. These important organelles and the high-energy molecules of ATP they produce power virtually every biochemical reaction that takes place - both in your body and in the plants and animals around you!

Mitochondria play host to one of the most important processes in your body: cellular respiration. Taking in glucose and oxygen, mitochondria produce energy, which they capture and package as energy-rich molecules of ATP. In PBS' video, the structure and functions that give mitochondria their nickname - "the powerhouses of the cell" - are described.

After students view the video, use follow up discussion questions to keep the conversation about mitochondria going. 

• What are the differences in the muscles of a sprinter and a marathon runner?
• How would you explain that skin cells have a lot fewer mitochondria than muscle cells?
• If you looked at heart cells, would you expect to see a lot of mitochondria or only a few? Why?

This curriculum was produced by the WGBH Educational Foundation and funded by the National Science Foundation.

Stylish Scientists

October 2012 marked the second annual list of the world's most stylish scientists by Furture-ish!

To be nominated for the list, Future-ish looks over 10 diverse variables including things like involvement in science, design, and culture, unique hobbies and of course, a great personal sense of style. The people that make the cut are changing the world with innovative research and changing a stereotypes every time they make an appearance expressing their oh-so-stylish selves.

Now these are the people we need to be looking at! And Future-ish agrees. They hope that they're list of diverse scientists will serve as role models to inspire everyone, from middle-schoolers and the Mom next door to movie stars and musicians, to become informed and engaged in the fields of STEM. At the end of the day, it is these fields that are shaping our future.

On this year's list: two of PBS's Design Squad Nation's very own. Judy Lee (#6) and Nate Ball (#4) each landed a spot on the list. 

Judy said: "I'm totally flattered and honored! I wish there were more awards out there that celebrated breaking old stereotypes. Congrats to everyone."

Nate said: "I'm amused and proud to be a role model in any way, not to mention as an apparently stylish engineer! If you look at some of those other entries, I'm actually wondering why more tech universities don't have modeling schools attached. I guess the list is proof that the words "stylish" and "engineer" aren't mutually exclusive after all!"

If you want to nominate someone for next year's list, send an e-mail with a picture of them and a short bio to studioF@future-ish.com. Self nominations are welcome!

See this year's list.

Nate Ball in the fun engineering clip: Man vs. Sticky Note.