Project Due Date: ______________
CELL MODEL PROJECT - HONORS BIOLOGY
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS:
Specialized Cell Chosen: _______________________
A. Research a specific type of cell and make a model of that cell.
Model Requirements:
1. The model will include all the parts we covered in class and any parts unique to that type
of cell. For example, some special parts of nerve cells might be dendrites, the axon and a
myelin sheath.
2. The parts should be accurate for shape, size and location inside the cell. They should look
similar to the diagrams you find for your particular type of cell. The parts should reflect the
relative size inside a real cell. For example, the nucleus should be very large compared to
the ribosomes.
3. All parts should be three-dimensional.
4. All parts should be labeled clearly and with correct spelling. If your model is difficult to
label, draw a diagram of your model with the parts identified or use a key.
5. The model will be large enough to easily distinguish all the parts from two meters away,
but NO larger than one half of a standard poster board.
6. The model is sturdy and neat.
7. Each person on the Building Team must contribute materials toward the project and take
part in the building process.
B. A one page written report about your cell and a bibliography.
Report Requirements:
1. The report should describe the special features of the cell shown in your model. How
does your cell differ from the generalized plant or animal cell?
2. If part of a multi-cellular organism:
i. In what kind of organism is this cell found?
ii. What specialized organelles are found in this cell?
iii. What is the function of this cell?
iv. How does its function fit in with the function of other cells to work in tissue or an
organ?
v. How does this cell’s function help keep the organism alive?
3. If a unicellular organism:
i. What type of organism is this cell?
ii. Where does this organism live and under what conditions?
iii. What specialized organelles are found in this cell?
iv. How do these specialized organelles help keep the organism alive?
4. Your report should include at least three interesting facts about your cell.
5. Your report should be typed with 12point readable font and 1.5 spaces. It should be neat
and clean.
6. Your paper should be written in complete sentences with no spelling or grammar errors.
Use spell check but make sure that it isn’t changing the word to something different.
7. Include a works cited of your sources on a separate sheet of paper. You must have at
least two sources.
C. Work Log:
Your group will keep a work log detailing your goals and what work you complete. You must provide
written evidence in you log that each person contributed equally to all phases of the project. Your
log will be checked at the end of each work session.
D. Oral Presentation:
Each group will present their model in an oral presentation. Each person will have an equal number
of parts to present. They will describe their type of cell, point to the parts and tell some facts and
interesting information about their cell. (Each person gets an individual grade.)
E. Tips and Tricks:
1. Do NOT spend anything on your project. Try and construct it entirely out of recycled
materials. For creative inspiration look at the projects in your classroom.
2. Remember, most cells have the basic parts we learned in class even if the diagrams you
find do not label them. If your research fails to show the regular cell parts assume they look
like and are placed in your chosen cell like the diagrams in your textbook.
3. Do not limit your search to one source. One source may have some details, another
source a few more, etc. Vary your sources, i.e. encyclopedias, books, magazines, the web,
your textbook, high school or college biology textbooks, medical books, and health
encyclopedias.
4. You must cite your sources at the end of your report. You must use MLA standards to
write your Works Cited. You may use the resources at www.easybib.com to help you. Also
remember, the online school encyclopedias have given you the bibliography in correct
format at the end of each article – all you need to do is copy and paste.
5. Also use the online websites to find information, any websites that end in .edu or .gov or
.org – are most likely reputable websites
POSSIBLE CHOICES FOR YOUR
“SPECIALIZED” CELL MODEL PROJECT
Euglena – flagellate
Diatom – dinoflagellate Chlamydomonas – green algae
Amoeba
Paramecium
Spirogyra- green algae
Skeletal muscle cell
Smooth muscle cell
Cardiac muscle cell
Epithelial Cell – skin
Neuron – nerve cell
Red blood cell
Leukocyte – white blood cell
Osteocyte – bone
Adipose cell – fat
Hepatocyte – liver
Grading Rubric: Cell Model Project
Model – Group Portion
Pre-Planning
10
30
20
12
8
8
12
100
(work
checklist, sketch)
Cell Parts
Model:
3D, size and
location of organelles
Key and labels
Creativity
Neatness
Peer Evaluation
Total Group Portion
Report/Oral Presentation
Oral Presentation
5
Describe difference
5
5
5
5
5
30
130
log,
from
general cell
Describes cell location and
function
Describes importance to
survival
Interest Facts
Sources cited
Total Individual Portion
Total Score