Cell Analogy Project
Introduction
Cells need to carry on the same basic functions as we do to sustain life; the
difference is cells do this with much smaller parts. These smaller structures that allow the
cell to function are called organelles – “tiny organs.” Also plant and animal cells have some
similar parts and some parts that are not similar.
It’s only common sense that if you are able to relate things you learned in class to
everyday things, you’ll remember it better. It’s not everyday that you and your friends sit
around at Starbucks discussing the rough endoplasmic reticulum. However, you probably
do discuss things like cars, your homes, places to visit, etc… Therefore, your task in this
assignment is to relate the different cell organelles to an everyday situation or thing using
an analogy.
Your Task
You will come up with an analogy for the cell of your choice and its organelles. Your analogy
will be represented in the form of a poster that represents a cell and its organelles. You
should compare roles of the following organelles to a part of the analogy:
Cell membrane
Mitochondrion
-
Cytoskeleton
Nucleus
Endoplasmic Reticulum Golgi Body
Lysosomes
Vacuole
Example: The Cell and the Human Body
The nucleus of a cell is the main control center of the cell. It is like the brain
because it is the control center of your body
The mitochondrion is the powerhouse of the cell. It is like the food that you eat
because your food powers your body.
Etc.
The Poster
There are 2 parts of the poster:
-
-
Part 1 – The analogy. You should have a well drawn or constructed picture of your
analogy (i.e. if you were doing a human body, you would have a picture of a human
body), and short 2-3 sentence descriptions of each organelle analogy (like shown
above)
Part 2 –Indicate whether each organelle is found in a plant or animal cell or both.
Also, include a picture of a plant or animal cell with it’s parts correctly labeled
Grading Rubric – Cell Organelle Analogy Project
Category
Accuracy and
Clarity of
Analogy
(8 pts)
Accuracy of
Organelle
Description
(8 pts)
Indicated
whether each
organelle is
found in plant
or animal cell or
both
(8 pts)
Inclusion of
picture of
colored and
labeled plant or
animal cell.
(5 pts)
Creativity
(5 pts)
Completion and
Organization
(5 pts)
Excellent
Analogy makes
sense. All
organelles are
included.
Descriptions
are clear,
lengthy and
complete.
8
Includes all
required
organelles. All
functions are
correct.
8
Correctly
indicated
whether each
organelle is
found in plant
or animal cell or
both
8
Good
Average
Below Average
Analogy makes
sense. 2
organelles are
included.
Descriptions
are unclear
and/or
incomplete.
2
Poor
Analogy makes
sense. 6
organelles are
included.
Descriptions
are clear, and
complete.
6
Analogy makes
sense. 4
organelles are
included.
Descriptions
are clear and
short.
4
Missing 2
requirements
from Excellent.
6
Missing 4
requirements
from Excellent.
4
Missing 6
requirements
from Excellent.
2
Missing more
than 7
requirements
from Excellent.
1
1-2 organelles
indication
incorrect or
missing
3-4 organelles
indication
incorrect or
missing
5-6 organelles
indication
incorrect or
missing
7-8 organelles
indication
incorrect or
missing
6
4
2
1
Included
colored, and
labeled
5
Included,
colored, and
labeled
5
Included
colored and/or
labeled
3
Included, not
colored or
labeled
1
Your Analogy is
creative. Your
analogy is NOT
a human body.
5
Your Analogy is
creative, but
used by another
group. It is not
a human body.
4
Project is
organized. It
shows an
extremely high
amount of
effort.
5
Project is
organized. It
shows a high
amount of
effort.
4
Your Analogy is
SOMEWHAT
creative. It is
not a human
body.
3
Project is
somewhat
organized. It
shows some
amount of
effort.
3
Analogy makes
sense. 1
organelle is
included.
1
Not included
0
Your analogy is
not creative.
2
Your analogy is
a human body.
1
Project is barely
organized. It
shows a minimal
amount of
effort.
2
Project is not
organized. It
shows no
amount of
effort.
1
Total Score: ______/40 points