Specialized Cell Model Project
Your assignment is to build a 3-D model of a specialized animal OR plant cell. You will pick a
specialized cell and explain how it is the same or different from the generic cell. For example, you can
choose a neuron (nerve cell), muscle cell, nasal cavity cell (columnar epithelial cell), root cell of a plant, or a
white blood cell. You will need to research your cell and make a model using the criteria below. You can use
any materials from home or the classroom, including stuff from the junk drawer, under your bed but NO
FOOD! You must complete the model with all the parts found in your specialized cell. Use the cell factory
notes/list as a guide. Remember, your specialized cell may have more of some organelles and less of others
based on your cell. Also, we discussed how structure of cells relate to its function so your cell may be a
different shape.
Once you have completed the model, you need to make a key of the parts. Lastly, you need a one
sheet summary of the functions of each organelle and a one page write-up describing your specialized cell
and how it is different from the average cell. Use your notes, a textbook or go on-line for help. You will have
some time to work on this project in class but it is to be finished at home. It is worth 25 points and is due
____________________.
Do not lose this checklist!
Checklist:
_____
Make sure specialized cell is approved before work begins (2 pts)
_____
Build a specialized cell with appropriate parts for the type of cell built (8 pts)
_____
Label as plant or animal cell and what type of cell it is (3 pts)
_____
Make a key of the parts in the cell (what part represents each organelle) (3 pts)
_____
Put your name on the cell model and the key (no points…just a reminder)
_____
Make a list of brief functions of each organelle on the key or the back of it. (7 pts)
_____
Include a one page description of your specialized cell on how/why it is different
from the generic cell (why are there different numbers of organelles, what is the cells function, how does the
shape of the cell relate to the function? Where the cell is found? Etc) (7 pts)
_____
Pick up my model after school to throw away or to take home
(-3 pts if not done)
Extra Credit?
Name:____________________________________________
Cell Model Grading Rubric
_____
Make sure specialized cell is approved before work begins (2 pts)
_____
Build a cell with appropriate parts for the type of cell built (8 pts)
_____
Label as plant or animal cell and what type of cell it is (3 pts)
_____
Make a key of the parts in the cell (3 pts)
_____
Put my name on the cell model and the key (no points…just a reminder)
_____
Make a list of brief functions of each organelle on the key or the back of it (7 pts)
_____
Include a one page description of your specialized cell on how/why it is different
from the generic cell (7 pts)
_____
Pick up my model after school to throw away or to take home
(-3 pts if not done)
______________________________________________________________________
__________
Total (30)
Name:____________________________________________
Cell Model Grading Rubric
_____
Make sure specialized cell is approved before work begins (2 pts)
_____
Build a cell with appropriate parts for the type of cell built (8 pts)
_____
Label as plant or animal cell and what type of cell it is (3 pts)
_____
Make a key of the parts in the cell (3 pts)
_____
Put my name on the cell model and the key (no points…just a reminder)
_____
Make a list of brief functions of each organelle on the key or the back of it (7 pts)
_____
Include a one page description of your specialized cell on how/why it is different
from the generic cell (7 pts)
_____
Pick up my model after school to throw away or to take home
(-3 pts if not done)
______________________________________________________________________
__________
Total (30)