Cell Analogy Project
3-D Model (Groups of 3 or 4)
Due 10/30/15
100 pts
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 every day 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.
Task (Groups of 3-4 students)
Develop an analogy for the cell of your choice (plant or animal) and its organelles.
Your analogy will be represented in the form of a 3-D model that represents a cell
and its organelles. You should compare roles of 10 organelles to a part of the
analogy. You can use a city or any other place (amusement park, a country, the
shopping mall). It can be a fictional place. Use your imagination
Step 1: Select your analogy. (A cell is like a _____________.) Brainstorm on
the cell parts and what you can model to represent each part. Use Table 3:
Cellular Structure and Function to help you.
Step 2: Cell Analogy Map Blueprint.
In your group, work together to plan and create a rough draft blueprint of
your cell city (or any other place). It should include the following:
1. Rough drawings of all city structures.
2 Label all structures with the structure name and the organelle it
corresponds to. Refer to your Table 3: Cellular Structure and Function to help you.
Make sure you include the following organelles:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
cell membrane
nucleus
lysosome
smooth endoplasmic reticulum
rough endoplasmic reticulum
Optional Organelles to Include
K.
nucleolus
L.
cell wall
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
M.
ribosome
golgi apparatus
mitochondria
Cytoplasm
vacuole
chloroplast
Your map blueprint should be done in pencil. Each person in the group will
be assigned a role for completing this task. Refer to your role card so that you
know what you will be responsible for doing in this task. You will be constructing a
model from your map.
Step 3: Cell City Model
In your group, create a 3-D model for your cell city. The model should be
made of materials provided by the teacher and anything your group deems
appropriate from home. The cardboard base will be provided by the teacher. Be
sure to include a Key for all cell organelles and corresponding map structures!
Your labels need to be attached to toothpicks (supplied by your teacher), or
labeled on the structure itself. Your model should look like your map! Each person
will be responsible for creating at least 2 city structures and completing his/her
assigned tasks according to the role cards distributed by the teacher. BE
CREATIVE!
Step 4: Create a legend or map key in the corner and explain what A – J
represents. Ex: B = City Hall (Nucleus) –
Step 5: Select a creative title that includes the word “cell”
Step 6: Using the Cell Analogy Worksheet, write your analogies. This is to
be done as a group. This will explain why you selected each part of your city (or
any other place) to represent the part of the cell and what function they both
share. Turn this sheet in with your 3-D model.
Step 7: Group presentation of 3-D model to class
You may use (but are not limited to) materials such as the following
Pipe cleaners
Legos
Styrofoam
Blocks
Toy cars
Paper boxes
Dollhouse furniture
Construction paper
Markers
Aluminum foil
String
Stickers
Wooden rods
Modeling clay
Cotton balls
Toothpicks
Popsicle sticks
Packing peanuts String
Grading:
Your 3-D Model will be evaluated according to the rubric on the last page. Use
these categories below before you finalize your model to make sure you have met
all of the requirements!
Grading Categories
1. Model Accuracy and Clarity of Analogy (40 points) Does the analogy make
sense? Are all of the organelles included? Did you include a key? Did you include a
title for your 3-D Model? Make sure you include the organelles listed in Step 2
2. Accuracy of Organelle Description (40 points) Does the Cell Analogy Worksheet
include all required organelles? Are the functions of each organelle correct? Do
you state how you can tell if your cell is a plant or animal?
3. Creativity, Neatness, and Organization (10 points) Is your analogy creative? For
a project with average creativity, you will receive an average score. If you choose
to do “A Cell City” you will receive minimal points for creativity, as I already gave
you that idea. Be neat and check your spelling!
4. 3- D Model Presentation (5 points) – Explain the cell analogies that are being
made with your model. Turn in Blueprint.
5. Complete the Student Engagement Survey (5 points) – To be done and turned
in after project is fully completed
Your 3-D Model must be neat, colorful, correctly labeled, and have a legend or
key. • Be creative! Have fun with it. • Past examples included underwater cities,
prehistoric cities, a skate park, amusement parks, etc… • You may turn it in earlier
if you wish.
Name ___________________________
PD _______
Cell Analogy Grading Rubric
(Turn this page in with your 3-D Model or -5 points)
Worth (pts.)
Earned (pts.)
Model Accuracy/Clarity of Analogy
(At least 10 organelles represented)
40
_______
Accuracy of Cell Analogy Worksheet
40
_______
Creativity, Neatness & Organization
10
_______
Model Presentation/Blueprint
5
_______
Student Engagement Survey
5
_______
Total
_______