Ms. Adabale’s Biology Class
Cell Analogy Project
Driving Question: What are the necessary components of an efficient and
functioning system?
Essential Skill: I can identify the different cell types and their organelle structures
and functions.
Due Date: Monday September 9 (Periods 1-3, 9-11) or Tuesday September 10 (Periods
2-4, 6-8)
Project Details: Cells are the basic unit of life and have various organelles, or “little
organs”, that carry out different functions to make the system work. Over the next
couple of weeks, you will be learning about these organelles. In order to relate cells to
everyday life, you will be participating in the cell analogy project by doing the
following:
 Select a system of your choosing: this can be anything from a hospital or a factory
to something fictional like Star Wars or Harry Potter. The only thing you cannot
choose is a school (because we used this example in class during your scavenger
hunt).
 Determine whether you wish to create an animal cell or plant cell. Organelles
associated with each are listed below.
Plant Cell
Cell Membrane
Nucleus
Cytoplasm
Mitochondria
Golgi Body
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Ribosome
Cell Wall
Chloroplast
Vacuole
Animal Cell
Cell Membrane
Nucleus
Cytoplasm
Mitochondria
Golgi Body
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Ribosome
Lysosome
Cytoskeleton
Cilia
 Come up with an analogy for the cell of your choice and its organelles, as it relates
to your system (note: organelles cannot be compared to other living things. In
other words, you can’t say the nucleus is like the human brain). Review Ms.
Adabale’s example on the next page:
System: School
School Component
IT Department
Mailboxes
Student Bikes
Sidewalk
Fence
Garden
Water fountain
Pole
Principal’s Office
Organelle
Mitochondria
Golgi Body
Cytoskeleton
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Cell Membrane
Chloroplast
Vacuole
Cell Wall
Nucleus
 Create a 3-D model of your system, larger than 8 ½ in. x 11 in. but no larger than
24 in. x 24 in., with labels and a key. Check out sample projects here:
https://sites.google.com/a/vaughncharter.com/may-penarroyo/physiology-projects-1/physiology-projects
o Note: This model must include a layout of your system and physical
representations of the organelles you have chosen.
 The project is worth 100 points, but your score will be converted to a score of 510 (for example, if you earn 78 points then you get a 7.8). Points will be allocated
as follows:
o 5 pts. for each analogy and justification (50 pts. total)
o 10 pts. for appropriate project dimension
o 10 pts. for clearly labeled organelles
o 20 pts. for neatness of model
o 5 pts. for system uniqueness
o 5 pts. for aesthetics
 Due Date Timeline
o Wed. Aug. 28/Thurs. Aug. 29: Get system approved by Ms. Adabale
o Tues. Sept. 3/Wed. Sept. 4: Have list of organelles
o Mon. Sept. 9/Tues. Sept. 10: 3D model due