Project 4.1.2 – Cell Analogy Collage
Purpose
What does a nucleus look like or function like? Being able to relate newly discovered
information to things you already know will help you understand the purpose of new
objects and remember their features. An analogy is a comparison between two
objects that are similar in some respects, but otherwise different. An analogy will be
made between cell organelles and everyday objects in this project to highlight the
similarity between a specific cell part and an everyday object.
For example, an analogy of the human kidneys may be made with a pool filter. The
kidneys filter out wastes from the human body just as a pool filter removes particles
from the swimming pool. More specifically for animals, you might say the nucleus of
a cell is like the brain of a human because the nucleus controls and coordinates the
activities of the whole cell just as the human brain controls and coordinates the
activities of the human body.
Since cells are hard to see without the help of a microscope and their functions are
even harder to visualize, you will use analogies to help you remember the various
aspects and functions of a cell.
Materials
Per student:
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Computer with Internet access and
Word® software
Poster paper
Glue stick
Permanent marker
Project 4.1.2 Organelle Worksheet
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Colored pencils
Printer
Scissors
Pencil
Agriscience Notebook
Procedure
For this project, you will design and create a collage for an assigned cell part using
analogies describing how the cell part functions.
When you have completed your collage, you will share your interpretation of the cell
part. During your classmates’ presentations, you will need to take good notes of all
presentations so you will have a complete record of all cell parts on your worksheet.
1. Your teacher will assign you one of the following cell parts.
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Animal – Unit 4 – Lesson 4.1 – Project 4.1.2 – Cell Analogy Collage – Page 1
 Cell Membrane
 Centrosome
 Cytoskeleton
 Endoplasmic Reticulum
 Lysosome
 Nucleolus
 Peroxisome
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Secretory Vesicle
Cytosol (Cytoplasm)
Golgi
Mitochondria
Nucleus
Ribosomes
Vacuole
2. Either draw or find a quality picture of your cell part and center the illustration on
your poster board. Make sure the image is large enough to see detail, leaving
enough room for smaller analogous images to be added around the edges of the
illustration.
3. Use the Internet and a textbook to write a complete description of the function for
your organelle. This description will be used as a caption for the illustration you
added in Step 2. Type this description using Word® in 20 plus font size and add it
below the illustration of your organelle. You must use at least two sources for
gathering your information.
4. Answer the questions from the Project 4.1.2 Organelle Worksheet and paste the
sheet to the lower right hand corner of the poster.
5. Draw or find pictures of two everyday items that answer the question – “My cell
part looks like…” Use that phrase as the heading for each image.
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Using Word®, open a new document and type the name of the everyday
item to attach to the collage above the picture and write an analogy with a
brief statement that explains the similarities between the everyday item
and the cell part it represents. Be sure to explain your reasoning behind
your selection of the everyday item.
 Print out the document, cut where appropriate, and glue above the picture.
6. Draw or find pictures of three everyday items that answer the question – “My cell
part functions similar to (everyday item) because a (everyday item) does…” Use
this heading for each image.
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For example: As you did with the “looks like” picture, create a name plate
of the everyday item to be placed above the picture and write a brief
statement that explains the similarities between the everyday item and the
cell part it represents. Be sure to explain your reasoning behind your
selection of the everyday item.
 Print out your document and glue above the picture.
7. Attach the pictures of the analogies and the statements you typed up for each
around the edge of the illustration of the cell part you placed in the center of the
poster.
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Animal – Unit 4 – Lesson 4.1 – Project 4.1.2 – Cell Analogy Collage – Page 2
Figure 1. Poster Layout Sample
8. Display your completed collage on the classroom wall in the area identified by
your teacher.
Conclusion
1. How does the use of analogies help you to remember the function and
anatomical features of an animal cell part?
2. What is the most creative Cell Analogy poster you observed in class? Why do
you think it made an impression on you?
3. List one analogy for each animal cell part found in the class collages.
Cell Part
“Looks Like” Analogy
“Functions Like” Analogy
Cell Membrane
Centrosome
The National Council for Agricultural Education – CASE – Copyright 2010
Animal – Unit 4 – Lesson 4.1 – Project 4.1.2 – Cell Analogy Collage – Page 3
Cell Part
“Looks Like” Analogy
“Functions Like” Analogy
Cytoskeleton
Cytosol (Cytoplasm)
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Golgi
Lysosome
Mitochondria
Nucleolus
Nucleus
Peroxisome
Ribosomes
Secretory Vesicle
Vacuole
The National Council for Agricultural Education – CASE – Copyright 2010
Animal – Unit 4 – Lesson 4.1 – Project 4.1.2 – Cell Analogy Collage – Page 4