Making a Model of the Cell

MAKING A MODEL OF THE CELL

The purpose of this activity is to use the information you have gained in your study of the cell to construct a cell model that displays all of the parts in the list below.

1. You will work together (if needed) to construct a model. One model is required per student.

2. You may use any materials you wish. You must provide all of the materials yourself. In class there will be available scissors, Scotch tape, masking tape, glue, staplers and staples.

3. The model must be free-standing, three-dimensional and large enough for all parts to be seen clearly.

4. If you choose to do a structural model, shapes of all cell structures must resemble the actual structures. If you choose to do a model of functions, then the objects chosen to represent each part must depict the function of that part. It is not necessary to construct all parts to the exact scale.

5. You must provide a key to the parts of the model and tell whether the model represents a plant or animal cell.

6. The following parts of the cell must be shown: cell wall (plant cell only), cell membrane, nucleus, nuclear membrane, nucleolus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, Golgi bodies, lysosomes, chloroplasts (plant cell only), vacuoles, and chromatin.

Schedule:

Day 1: Overnight: Gather the materials you are assigned to bring. If you

can't find something, be sure you call another class member and make

arrangements for someone else to bring it in. Do any advance

preparation of materials that may be necessary. Pack all your

materials and put them in a place where you will be sure to remember them in the morning.

Day 2: Lay out materials. Construct model. Communicating among fellow classmates is encouraged. Keep checking your model with your sketches and your textbook or other references so that you will make no errors. Make a key to the parts of the model. Put the name on a card and put it with your model in the spot designated by the teacher. Do not touch any other models.

Clean up your area. Take all excess materials with you or dispose of them properly.

It's Sight-o-logical!

Objective:

To create a booklet explaining the cell theory, functions of organelles and cell membrane processes.

Materials:

·  Index Cards

·  Pictures of cellular organelles

·  Yarn or string

·  Markers

Procedure:

·  Using index cards, students will make their own illustrations of cellular organelles to narrate their cell models. The drawings will accuratuly portray the organelles structure as closely as possible.

·  The drawings will include labels of key organelle parts.

·  The use of longitudinal, cross-section, and exploded views are recommended for variety.

·  Organelle activity and interactions between different organelles will be shown separate from the organelle's picture. Examples: protein synthesis, cell membrane function, Golgi Apparatus functions.

·  A pictoral explanation of the cell theory will also be completed.

·  The production of a unique cover is encouraged to complete the cell fact file.

·  Create a table of contents: Chapter 1 –Organelles of your cell (plant or animal), Chapter 2 -Cell Membrane Processes, Chapter 3-Cell Theory.

·  The actual gluing and illustration can be assigned for homework.

·  Once all the index cards have been illustrated and explained, the booklet can be assembled.

·  Punch holes at the end of the cards. Make sure that the holes are all aligned.

·  Bind them together with yarn or string.