Study both smooth and skeletal muscles by looking at raw and cooked meat. You should be able to see the fascia and how skeletal muscle is comprised of bundled fibers whereas smooth muscle is not.
 
Questions Answered:
What are some characteristics of skeletal muscles? 
What are some characteristics of smooth muscles? 
How do smooth and skeletal muscles compare? 
 
Topics Addressed:
Skeletal muscle fibers differ from those of smooth muscle 
Skeletal muscle cells are long and fibrous 
Skeletal muscle cells are bundled together by fascia
 
Materials Needed
assorted cubes of meat (chicken, beef, calamari) cooked and uncooked, tray (optional)
 
Answer Key
Yes! Plus extensive teacher notes address the many questions that come up. You shouldn’t have to do outside research on this topic unless you want to. Specific charts and graphic organizers have keys. 
 
Teaching Time 
About 20–30 minutes, longer with included writing assignment
 
Preparation Time
purchase meat; cook some
 
Target Audience
Middle School Students, Ages 11-14
 
Student Sheets
Scaffolded writing prompts & lab reporting 
Diagrams for labeling