Cell Parts Rap or Song
For this activity, you need to create an original song or rap that includes at least 12
basic cell parts and other parts unique to the plant and animal cell separately. You
will perform this song or rap for your classmates. Your creativity, performance and
knowledge of cell parts will be judged. You need to preview your performance with
me and submit a lyric sheet as well. Refer to the rubric provided to help you prepare
your song or rap.
Required Elements:








12 basic cell parts must be included with reference to other cell parts unique to the plant
and animal cell
o Basic Parts-cytoplasm, cytoskeleton, cell membrane, nuclear membrane, nucleus,
nucleolus, ribosome, endoplasmic reticulum (smooth and rough –explain the
difference), chromosome, vacuole, golgi body (complex, apparatus), mitochondria
o Animal cell-centriole, lysosome
o Plant cell-cell wall, chloroplast
Sentences must be clear and “flow’ easily in the performance
Choose words that will help your audience form pictures in their mind as they listen
Details for each part are appropriate and clear
Make sure your presentation is interesting by adding some personality to your voice
Connect cell parts in your presentation somehow. In other words, how do they work with
each other, help each other, etc. What would happen if they were not there?
The song or rap should be organized and make sense. Do not ramble. Everything should flow
together and make sense.
If you choose a song, use a familiar tune. It is easier to develop lyrics to a tune you already
know than to make up your own melody-but that is great if you want to do it.
Cell Parts Rap/Song Rubric
CATEGORY
10
8
6
4
Flow &
Rhythm
(Sentence
Fluency)
All sentences sound
natural and are easyon-the-ear when sung
aloud. Each sentence
is clear and has an
obvious emphasis.
Almost all sentences
sound natural and are
easy-on-the-ear when
sung aloud, but 1 or 2
are stiff and awkward
or difficult to
understand.
Most sentences sound
natural and are easyon-the-ear when sung
aloud, but several are
stiff and awkward or
are difficult to
understand.
The sentences are
difficult to sing aloud
because they sound
awkward, are
distractingly
repetitive, or difficult
to understand.
Word Choice
Writer uses vivid
words and phrases
that draw pictures in
the reader's mind,
and the choice and
placement of the
words seems
accurate, natural and
not forced.
Writer uses vivid
words and phrases
that draw pictures in
the reader's mind, but
occasionally the words
are used inaccurately
or seem overdone.
Writer uses words
that communicate
clearly, but the
writing lacks variety,
punch or flair.
Writer uses a limited
vocabulary that does
not communicate
strongly or capture
the reader's interest.
Jargon or clichés may
be present and detract
from the meaning.
Focus on
Topic
(Content)
There is one clear,
well-focused topic.
At least 10 cell parts
stand out and are
supported by
detailed information.
8-9 cell parts are
clear but the
supporting information
is general.
6-7 cell parts are
clear but there is a
need for more
supporting
information.
The main ideas are not
clear. There is a
seemingly random
collection of
information.
Adding
Personality
(Voice)
The writer seems to
be writing from
knowledge or
experience. The
author has taken the
ideas and made them
"his own."
The writer seems to
be drawing on
knowledge or
experience, but there
is some lack of
ownership of the topic.
The writer relates
some of his own
knowledge or
experience, but it
adds nothing to the
discussion of the
topic.
The writer has not
tried to transform the
information in a
personal way. The
ideas and the way they
are expressed seem to
belong to someone
else.
Transitions
A variety of
(Organization) thoughtful
transitions are used.
They clearly show
how ideas are
connected.
Transitions clearly
show how ideas are
connected, but there
is little variety.
Some transitions work
well; but connections
between other ideas
are fuzzy.
The transitions
between ideas are
unclear or nonexistent.
Sequencing
Details are placed in
(Organization) a logical order and
the way they are
presented
effectively keeps the
interest of the
reader.
Details are placed in a
logical order, but the
way in which they are
presented/introduced
sometimes makes the
writing less
interesting.
Some details are not
in a logical or
expected order, and
this distracts the
reader.
Many details are not in
a logical or expected
order. There is little
sense that the writing
is organized.