INTRODUCTION
How does a cell function like a city? Think about the sites and sounds of a city. You see people and cars moving about, buildings, restaurants, and
lights everywhere. What a flurry of activity!
Cells, the basic units of life, can be compared to a city. Cells are building and breaking down material. Cells release energy from foods, and then use
that energy to make needed cell parts. Cells function to make your body operate like a well run city.
PROCEDURE
1. Research Each Cell Organelle To Determine Its Function. Write the function down in the space provided below. Below you will
find a list of the cell organelles and city analogies. Remember; be creative when making your cell city. Your city can be modern, futuristic, historic, or
fantasy, as long as your analogies are similar to those provided below. BE CREATIVE! THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX! Customize the “City Analogies” to
fit your city!
CELL ORGANELLES
NUCLEOLUS
NUCLEUS
RIBOSOMES
ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM
CELL MEMBRANE
CELL WALL
CYTOPLASM
GOLGI APPARATUS
CHLOROPLAST
MITOCHONDRIA
LYSOSOMES
VACUOLE
ORGANELLE FUNCTIONS
City Analogies for a basic modern city
(make adjustments for your city)
2. Make A Rough Draft Blueprint Of Your Cell City. It should include labels for all cell organelles and their corresponding city
structure. Structures should be labeled Cell Organelle / Analogy Name. Example: Nucleus / City Hall. Give your cell city a name at the top center of
your drawing.
3. Make A 3-D Model Of Your Cell City With Materials From Home. Be sure to label all cell organelles and corresponding city
structures. Your model should look like your blueprint but neater and with 3-dimensional objects.
4. Choose one of the following careers and complete the job associated with that role.
Travel Agent
Newspaper Journalist/ Newscaster
Musician/ Poet
Career Job Descriptions
Travel Agent
Brochure Instructions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Please use one sheet of UNLINED paper.
Fold your paper into thirds.
Include your "Cell City" name.
Describe the attractions of your city. These would be the organelles that people would come to visit.
You will need to describe the structure and function of at least 3 organelles.
5. Include colorful hand-drawn illustrations of the attractions of your city to present as a commercial to your class!
Newspaper Journalist / Newscaster
Newspaper article / Newscast story:
1. Please neatly print or type your article(s). NO LINED PAPER PLEASE!!!
2. Name your newspaper or TV station.
3. Create stories about what is happening in "Cell City". Be creative. Try an eye-catching headline or idea.



Emergency in an organelle
Award winning organelle for services
Sports event or hall of fame
4. You must describe the structure and function of at least 3 organelles in your article(s) or news story.
5. You will read this story or perform a newscast to your class!
Musician/Poet
Song Instructions:
1. Neatly print or type the lyrics to your "Cell City" song using a familiar tune. NO LINED PAPER PLEASE!!!
2. You must describe the structure and function of at least 3 organelles in your song.
3. You will present this model to your class with a b-e-a-t!
Poem Instructions:
1. Neatly print or type the words to your "Cell City" poem. NO LINED PAPER PLEASE!!!
2. You must describe the structure and function of at least 3 organelles in your poem.
3. Illustrate your poem.
4. You will recite this poem to your class!
Cell City Evaluation
0 points
3 points
5 points
Organelles Represented
none
most
all
Construction Of City
falling apart
one month warranty
lifetime guarantee
No Organelles Labeled
none
most
all
City Structures Identified
none
most
all
Accuracy Of Organelle Structure
none
most
all
Creativity
boring
meets basic requirements
one-of-a-kind
Neatness
sloppy
meets basic requirements
outstanding
City Named
none
general
unique
Rough Draft (Drawing)
none
most structures identified
exact blueprint
Presentation Of Cell City
none
adequate
outstanding
Total points earned:
Job Evaluation
0 points
5 points
10 points
Organelles Represented
none
1-2
3
Accuracy Of Organelle Information
wrong
mostly correct
completely accurate
Creativity
boring
meets basic requirements
one-of-a kind
Presentation
none
adequate
outstanding
Followed Directions
not at all
mostly
exactly
Total points earned: