Cell Organelle Assignment
After school one day, you find a message on your voicemail from an oddly familiar voice. You
then realize that its Eminem, and he wants to talk to you. Seems that he’s going to be working
with the National Association of Biology Teachers to compile their latest CD, entitled
“Organelles go on the inside”. Being that he’s tapped himself out releasing so many top singles
(and he’s reputed to have a pretty weak knowledge of biology), he’s asked you to help him in
creating lyrics to a song about cell components and their functions. You are ecstatic, and call
Mr. Shady back to accept his offer.
You and your group of three or fewer people can use the music from a previously existing
song (after all its worked for P. Diddy enough times) or write your own music, but you must
write your own lyrics and address the following:
1. Structure & Function, for at least five of the following organelles you should include:
-Name of organelle- choices are: Mitochondria, Rough ER, Smooth ER, Nucleus and DNA,
Centrioles, Ribosomes, Cytoplasm, Golgi Apparatus, Lysosome, Cell Membrane,
Flagellum, Vaccuole, Cytoskeleton, Chloroplast
-Organelle function
10pts possible
2. Description of the sequence of events and organelles that makes proteins (think about the
factory scenario). This will in part determine your choices for organelles in part 1.
10pts possible
3. Neatness and creativity
You will need to TYPE the lyrics to your rap/song. You may turn them in for approval one
week before your recorded song is due (email is fine). You should also be as creative as
possible. Your song lyrics should be intelligible when I listen to them. All members are sharing
vocal parts equally. Audio is audible and lyrics are intelligible. Lyrics flow well and are catchy.
Music’s original lyrics aren’t drowning out your recorded lyrics. All group members participate
equally.
10pts possible
4. Accuracy
Your rap should make sense with regard to the subject. Don’t just name drop the items
necessary. Describe what they do. Descriptions should be accurate.
10pts possible
5. Appropriateness of lyrics
I will deduct points for inappropriate lyrics that are insulting to individuals or groups as well
as for profanity or crudeness.
?? negative points possible....
Good luck! Have fun, and remember who helped you launch your career when
you are on TRL!
Some tips: karaoke versions of songs and instrumental songs make good templates to
rap/sing over since there are no existing vocals. Don’t wait til the weekend before its due to
get started.
PS: I will give up to 5 extra credit points if you create a video for your song. If you make a
video it must satisfy the following conditions
a). it must be in VHS, DVD or a format playable on my computer (check first!)
b). the audio and video must be on one form of media (don’t give me a cd of audio and a
video on tape)
c). everyone appears in the video in your group