Name:______________________
Cell Analogy Project
The main goal of a cell is to produce proteins which are used as building blocks in a variety of
ways (hair, muscle, other tissues, repair, growth, enzymes, etc.). You job is to choose a system
with which you are familiar (baseball team, sports arena, video game, movie, ship, etc.) and
compare the functions of your system to the functions of a cell. There are three steps to this
assignment, and hence three products, you must complete in this project.
1) In this project, you will learn about the structures that comprise a cell by creating a
Cellular Function Table. This table must be hand-written for credit.
a. Due Date for the Cell Function Table is ______________________.
2) You will then use that information to creatively develop an analogy between cellular
structures and functions to some other system, such as comparing a cell to the Titanic, or
a sports team. You need to complete a Cell Analogy Explanation Table, clearly justifying
why each cell part relates to a part of your analogy system. Ex: The Nucleus is the cell’s
control center, in a factory it would be the boss or manager. Lysosomes are responsible
for cellular cleanup. They are like the Janitors of the factory because they are in charge of
cleaning, maintenance, and recycling.
a. The Cell Analogy Explanation Table is due ______________.
3) Using the Explanation Table (and any other materials you’ve gathered), you will create a
visual product to depict your analogy. The visual product could be a poster, prezi, movie,
3-D model, etc. Be creative and choose any medium to display your analogy. In this
visual product, you will show your analogous object, and use short captions and actions to
identify each element and its related cell part and function.
a. The Visual product is due on ____________________.
*You may work by yourself or… by yourself.
Scoring: Make sure that all of the components are present for full points. Use the rubric, to
verify for yourself that you have completed each element of the project ON TIME. A detailed
grading rubric is attached at the end of this document.
Missing a due date will result in a loss of 10% per school day for each part of the project that is
late.
If you have a conflict with the due date, or you need more time, you must make arrangements
for additional time at least a week before the due date. An extension will only be granted if you
can show that you are actively working on your project and have a valid reason for needing more
time.
Note: If you are absent on the due date, you MUST still submit your project via email on the due
date! (Pictures of your completed project are acceptable proof that your project is completed.)
Name:______________________
Cell Analogy Project: Cellular Functions Table
This page MUST be turned in, hand-written only, and very legible. Typed sheets will not be accepted for credit.
Instructions: Write the function (job) in the cell for the following cell parts. Utilize pages 265-280 in the Inquiry
Science -1 textbook, or http://www.ibiblio.org/virtualcell/tour/cell/cell.htm is a FANTASTIC source for information.
Cell Part
Cell wall
Cell membrane
(plasma membrane)
Nucleus
Nuclear membrane
Nucleolus
Chromatin
Cytoplasm
Mitochondria
Vacuole
Function in the Cell
Cell Part
Ribosome
Endoplasmic reticulum
Golgi body
Lysosome
Chloroplast
Chromosomes
Cytoskeleton
Plastid
Cilia
Flagella
Centriole
Name:______________________
Function in the Cell
Name:______________________
Name:_______________________________________
Period.___________
Cell Analogy Project: Cell Analogy Explanation Table
Complete this page and attach it to your cell analogy project.
This page may be typed; please get an electronic copy from your teacher or class website.
Analogy Choice: ________________________
What is the main “product” produced by your
analogy: ____________________________ (this is analogous to the “protein” the cell produces)
Cell Part
Cell wall
Cell membrane
(plasma membrane)
Nucleus
Nuclear membrane
Nucleolus
Chromatin
Cytoplasm
Mitochondria
Vacuole
Analogy Part
Explanation
Cell Part
Ribosome
Endoplasmic reticulum
Golgi body
Lysosome
Chloroplast
Chromosomes
Cytoskeleton
Plastid
Cilia
Flagella
Centriole
Analogy Part
Name:______________________
Explanation
Name:______________________
Name:_______________________________________
Period.___________ Score: _____ / 120 pts
Cell Analogy Project: Grading Rubric
Each analogy on your Visual Product will be graded on a 5 point scale.
Points
5
4
3
2
0
Description
All required elements are present: 1) cellular function is clearly defined, 2)
analogous part is described in detail, 3) the connection between the cellular
function and analogous part is clearly explained, 4) analogy fits well with the
cellular function.
One of the required elements is missing.
Two of the required elements are missing.
Three or more required elements are missing.
Analogy is missing from the visual product.
___________/5
___________/5
___________/5
___________/5
___________/5
___________/5
___________/5
___________/5
___________/5
___________/5
___________/5
___________/5
___________/5
___________/5
___________/5
___________/5
___________/5
___________/5
___________/5
___________/5
___________/5
Cell wall:
Cell membrane/
(plasma membrane)
Nucleus
Nuclear membrane
Nucleolus
Chromatin
Cytoplasm
Mitochondria
Vacuole
Ribosome
Endoplasmic reticulum
Golgi body
Lysosome
Chloroplast
Chromosomes
Cytoskeleton
Plastid
Cilia
Flagella
Centriole
___________/10
___________/10
Overall Appearance (neatness, spelling, attention to detail)
Originality of Ideas
Total: _____________/120