Biology Pre-AP
Cell Structure and Function Project
DUE:
A day – Oct. 3rd
B day – Oct. 4th
The goal of this project is for you to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the
structure and function of a typical plant cell. The way in which you demonstrate this
understanding will be based on your personal strengths/interests. You will choose one
project option from the choices listed below. Each project option is designed to play to
strengths, or multiple intelligences, as education professionals call them. Everyone has
types of intelligence where they excel and some they could develop further. You may
want to choose a project option that plays to your strengths. Or, you may just want to
choose the project that sounds most interesting and inspiring to you. Make sure either
way that you choose an option that truly interests you. You project will be much better,
and you’ll probably get a better grade, if you do. All projects require a significant amount
of time and effort, so trying to choose the “easiest” will not benefit you- there is no easy
option here.
All projects will be scored using the attached rubric. Make sure, whichever option
you choose, your project shows a thorough understanding of cell structure and function.
The organelles
Each project option requires that you show your knowledge of the structure and function
of each of the following organelles. You’ll note that all projects are based on a plant cell,
not an animal cell.
Organelle List:
Plasma membrane
Mitochondrion
Golgi Apparatus
Chloroplast
Cytosol
Chromosomes/DNA
(not really an organelle, but
important)
Nucleus
Ribosome
Lysosome
Cell Wall
Smooth ER
Nucleolus
Rough ER
Vacuole
Cytoskeleton
Nuclear membrane/pore
I have received my Cell Project and I am aware of the due date.
_____________________________
Student Signature
_________________________
Parent Signature
_________________
Date
_________________
Date
Cell Song/Rap
Musical Learner
Overview: Write a song/rap about the parts of a cell and their functions.
Details: In this project, you will use music to teach about cell structure and function.
1. You can write new lyrics to a familiar tune or compose your own. Write a song or rap about the cell.
2. Your lyrics should make clear the function of each organelle and how they to make a functional cell.
3. You should record your song or rap, or be prepared to give a live performance the day
your project is due.
Items to Turn In:
_ Written lyrics for your song/rap (typed please); don’t forget to give your song a title
_ Recording of your song/rap (or live performance on the due date)
RUBRIC
Written lyrics for song/rap __________________________________ 24 pts.
Recording of song / live performance __________________________18 pts
Organelle structure/function ___________________ 3 pt/ each (total 48 pts)
Typed
___________________ 10 pts.
Recycled Sculpture
Visual, Kinesthetic Learner
Overview: Make a three dimensional sculpture of a cell using only found/recycled materials – no new items
allowed.
Details: Re-using materials of your choice, make a three dimensional sculpture of a typical plant cell.
1. Collect a variety of materials from recycling bins, the junk drawer in your house, on the forest floor, etc. You
may use tape, glue, etc., but the remainder of your materials must be something re-used.
2. Construct your cell. Make sure to place organelles in a proper location. Refer to diagrams in your textbook,
etc. to help you out with this.
3. Label each organelle with a number.
4. Make a typed key of your organelles and their function as shown below:
Number
Organelle
Function
Control flow of materials
1.
Plasma Membrane
such as nutrients and
waste into and out of cell
Items to Turn In:
_ Scuplture
_ Key to sculpture (in the format shown above)
Material Used
Aluminum Can
RUBRIC
Sculpture
__________________________________ 20 pts.
Key to sculpture
__________________________________12 pts
Sculpture made of all reused materials _________________________10 pts
Organelle structure/function
___________________ 3 pt/ each (total 48 pts)
Typed
___________________ 10 pts.
Journal or Scrapbook
Intrapersonal Learner
Overview: Image you are the nucleus of a cell and write a journal or make a scrapbook of the events that occur
within your cell.
Details: Create a journal or scrapbook describing the life of a cell from the point of view of the nucleus.
1. Review the functions of each organelle. Your journal or scrapbook must demonstrate your understanding of
the function of each one.
2. Write entries as if you were the nucleus describing the events going on in the cell. Be creative! Give your
nucleus a personality and point of view.
3. If you are making a scrapbook, include “pictures” of events arranged as items would be in a scrapbook.
4. Don’t forget, you must touch on the function of all organelles, but make it creative and interesting to read.
Items to Turn In:
_ Journal or scrapbook – including a cover page
RUBRIC
Scrapbook
__________________________________ 22 pts.
Pictures of events
__________________________________ 15 pts
Organelle structure/function ___________________ 3 pt/ each (total 48 pts)
Cover page ________________________________5 pts
Typed
___________________ 10 pts.
Poetry Collection
Linguistic learner
Overview: Write a collection of poems about the cell and cell organelles that demonstrate your understanding of
cell structure and function.
Details: The poetic beauty of the structure and function of a cell can only be express through…well… poetry!
1. The number of poems you choose to write is up to you. You could write one poem about each organelle, or
you may choose to describe groups of organelles, how a cell produces an enzyme, etc.
2. You may want to use a variety of poem styles (sonnet, haiku, etc.). Read some poetry for inspiration, or ask
your English teacher for some suggestions.
3. Your poems should highlight both the structure and the function of each organelle.
Items to Turn In:
_ Poem collection (typed) – include a cover page, make sure each poem has a title
RUBRIC
Poem collections
__________________________________ 27 pts.
Organelle structure/function ___________________ 3 pt/ each (total 48 pts)
Poetry illustrations __________________________ 10 pts
Typed
___________________
10 pts.
Cover page ________________________________5 pts