Cell Organelle Simile Project—45 points-Summative
Part 1 (Research) due:_________
Part 2 (final product) due:_________
Objective:
The purpose of this activity is to create a project that highlights the aspects of each organelle of a
cell. This will help you to learn the functions of each organelle and how they work together. You
will create a simile of organelle functions to illustrate how they all work together so that the entire
cell may function.
Directions:
Part 1—RESEARCH: Create a chart (or use one available through my website) to list the organelles in
your project. Your chart should look like this:
Organelle Name Function
Simile
Explanation of simile
Nucleus
Control center City hall The nucleus is like city hall because the nucleus
of the cell
controls the activities of the cell and city hall controls
the activities of the city.
This must be checked by your teacher.
Part 2—YOUR PRODUCT: You have your choice in the appearance of your product. You may choose
from the following options:
 Booklet. Your booklet must have an attractive front and back cover. You should also have an
introduction that includes an overview of your project and analogy. One organelle per page. Each
organelle should include a picture of your analogy and a brief description. Your book should
have a theme such as a children’s storybook, a high school yearbook, a sports playbook, a travel
brochure etc.
 Power Point. Your Power Point must have a title slide, an introduction slide that introduces the
analogy and a conclusion slide that summarizes how the cell function compares to your analogy.
One organelle per slide. Each slide should include both a picture of the analogy AND a picture of
the organelle itself. Each slide should also include a description of the analogy.
 Poster. Your poster should include an image of the cell in the center. Around the sides should be
a picture of the analogy and a brief description of the analogy. Include an arrow connecting the
organelle to the analogy. Your cell should be hand-drawn. The analogy pictures may be handdrawn or printed.
 3D Model. You may create a 3-dimensional model of the cell or of the analogy. Each part of the
analogy must be clearly labeled. An additional paper must be included which explains each part
of the analogy. The model could be made of styrofoam, playdough, legos or another material.
With teacher approval you may create an edible cell to share with the class.
 Zipper Song: You will rewrite the lyrics to a popular appropriate song of your choice. The new
lyrics must incorporate the cell organelles (parts), and analogies that are relevant to the cell
organelles and their functions. The new lyrics need be appropriate and flow with the original
music (meaning stay in tune with how the original artist performed it). Finally, you MUST
perform your newly written song with music (You might want to download the instrumental
version of your song off of ITunes etc.). You may perform live for the class or you may video tape
your performance and share it with the class. You must also submit the written lyrics of your
song.
 Play, short story or comic book: You will write a play or short story based on the daily life of a
cell. Your characters should be based on the various organelles (parts) of the cell. Your story
should include the essential parts: Characters, Theme, Point of View, Climax/Conflict,
Conclusion. You will be required to submit either a completed script or short story.
Part 3--Written Summary
 Summary: In 1-2 paragraphs describe the analogy and how it relates to the cell. Explain the
purpose of this project and why organelles are important to the cell. Also include your
thoughts about the project. Did you find the project to be valuable or helpful? Why or why
not? This may be within your project or a separate piece of paper.
You may work as an individual or with a partner of your choice.
If you work as an individual you must choose 8 organelles.
If you work as a pair, you must do all 17 organelles.
Organelles to be included: The ones that have a * are required.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Cell Membrane*
Cytoplasm*
Nucleus*
Cell wall
Centriole
Chloroplast
Cilia/ Flagella
Cytoskeleton
Golgi apparatus
10. Lysosome
11. Mitochondria
12. Nucleolus
13. Ribosomes
14. Rough endoplasmic reticulum
15. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
16. Transport Vesicles
17. Vacuole
Grading
Your project will be evaluated according to the following criteria on a scale from 1 to 5. A “1” would mean
that you did not meet my expectations for that section of the project. A “5” would mean that you went
above and beyond and exceeded my expectations on that section of the project. A five will only be given
if that specific section is exceptionally good!
Use these categories below before you finalize your project to make sure you have met all of the
requirements!
Grading Categories
1. Accuracy and Clarity of Analogy (20 points). Does the analogy make sense? Are all of the
organelles included? Are the descriptions of each analogy clear and complete? Are the descriptions of
each analogy of the required length?
2. Accuracy of Organelle Description (10 points). Does the research include all required organelles?
Are the functions of each organelle correct? Is the analogy clearly explained?
3. Creativity (5 points). Is your analogy creative? For a project with average creativity, you will
receive an average score.
4. Completion & Organization (5 points). Does your project include all of the necessary parts? Is it
organized? Does it show a high amount of effort? Are there spelling mistakes? Is the project colorful?
5. Written Summary (5 pts) Is the written summary clear? Did the student include all needed parts
in the summary? If your summary is superficial and basic then your score will also be superficial and
basic.
Name:___________________________________Block:__________ Date:_________________
Cell Project – Part 1 – Research Chart
Organelle Name
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Function
Simile
Explanation of simile
Organelle Name
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Function
Simile
Explanation of simile