OBJECTIVES
You will be able to:
 Identify the cell membrane, cell wall,
mitochondria, chloroplast, and nucleus.
 Develop and use a model to describe how cells
work.
 Collaboratively plan and present a drama.
 Identify main facts from a reading about cells.
ESSENTIAL QUESTION
EVALUATION AND FEEDBACK
Your work will be evaluated using the:
How do body systems interact with
each other to communicate and
collaborate?
 Developing and Using Models row of the
Science and Engineering Practices Rubric.
 Other criteria determined by teacher.

Describe evidence and give examples to
communicate your ideas.
CELLS and BODY SYSTEMS UNIT: Task 2
Modeling Structures and Functions Within a Cell
As a group,
 Read ‘All Living Things Have Cells’.
 Identify and organize facts from the reading.
 Plan and present a cell drama.
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CONNECTING TO THE CULMINATING PROJECT
Plan and organize your Activity Brochure in your
Individual Project Organizer:
 Draw a model of your drama.
 Summarize your drama.
 Draw a diagram of your activity that includes
a cell and how the cell works.
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES
“All Living Things Are Made of Cells” reading
Animal or Plant cell part lanyard
Cell membrane string
Cell wall ribbon (if dramatizing a plant cell)
Post it notes
©2015 Stanford Center for
Assessment, Learning, and Equity
6th Grade Science : Cells and Body Systems
Learning Through Performance
Task 2
Modeling Structures and Functions Within a Cell
Student Discussion and Data
Part I : Read a Short Article About Cells.
1. Read ‘All Living Things Are Made of Cells’. Rotate who reads each paragraph.
2. As you group reads, fill in the chart below.
3. Copy the completed chart into your Science Notebook.
Cell Part
Found in
Animal Cell?
(yes/no)
Found in
Plant Cell?
(yes/no)
Function of Cell Part
(What does each cell part do?)
Cell Membrane
Nucleus
Mitochondria
Chloroplast
Cell Wall
March 15, 16
©2014 Stanford Center for Assessment, Learning, and Equity (SCALE)
2
6th Grade Science : Cells and Body Systems
Learning Through Performance
Task 2
Modeling Structures and Functions Within a Cell
Student Discussion and Data
Part II: Model How a Cell Works
1. Watch a video about cells.
2. Using the chart and the video information Plan, Practice, and Present a Cell Drama (skit).
 Decide on if your group wants to show how a plant cell or an animal cell works.
 Identify parts of the cells.
 Show and describe the pathway of sun, water, and gases as they:
 Move into the cell.
 Are used in the cell.
 Leave the cell.
 As the groups are presenting their Cell Drama write 2 comments on a post-it. Write one positive and one
constructive comment to share with the presenting group. Put your initials on the post-it.
3. Apply Your Knowledge
1. Use the model and the table to describe 3 ways that plant cells are unique (or special) compared to
animal cells.
2. Use the model and table to explain what would happen to a plant cell if all the mitochondria in it
disappeared.
Do Connecting to the Culminating Project (See Bottom Right on the Task Car
March 15, 16
©2014 Stanford Center for Assessment, Learning, and Equity (SCALE)
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