NS 1011: Introduction to Biology: Cells and Organisms

Cell Model or Brochure

Models and analogies are important tools in science, since many of the ideas and structures we work with are not visible to the naked eye. The cell is one such structure, and students will make a model of the cell or design a brochure explaining parts of the cell to help them visualize cell parts and learn cell functions.

Due Monday, March 10

Models

Cell models may be made with whatever materials the students choose. The following structures must be included:

Cell (plasma) membrane
cytoplasm (cytosol)
mitochondria
ribosomes
rough endoplasmic reticulum (E.R.)
smooth endoplasmic reticulum (E.R.)
nucleus, including the nuclear envelope and the nucleolus
Golgi complex and vesicles
peroxisomes/lysosomes

cytoskeleton
centriole (animal cell only)
flagellum, pili, or microvilli (animal cell only)
cell wall (plant cell only)
central vacuole (plant cell only)
chloroplast (plant cell only)

Each part must be labeled. In addition, students must explain briefly, in writing, the function of each part.

Brochures

“Vacation brochures” or "field guides" should be designed to explain the function of each of the cell parts listed above, as if each part were a stop on a vacation tour. The analogy of a city, factory, or amusement park may be used, or the brochure may be designed as a "field guide" with each cell part a point of interest on a nature walk. Use your imagination here. Don't just make a list of cell organelles and their functions. A brochure usually has illustrations, so pictures are expected.

Group work

Students may choose to work in a group to complete this assignment. Each member of a group must assign a group process grade to each other member. A total of two points per person are available to divide between members of a group. If an individual feels that each member of the group contributed equally, that person should give two points to each group member, including him/herself. If the individual feels that one person contributed more than the others, that one person should be given more than two points (fractional points are acceptable), and the remaining points should be divided among the less active members.

Grading

Projects will be graded on a 20 point scale as follows:

Content: Is each organelle shown and labeled or included in the guide? Is each organelle's function included? 15 points
Presentation: Is the cell presented clearly? Is the guide easy to follow? 3 points
Group process/individual effort: Did each member of the group contribute equally? Does the project reflect effort? 2 points