ScienceMakers Toolkit Manual - The History Makers

Life Science
2. “Cells in Costumes” Activity
• Give the students a few minutes to brainstorm in small groups what they already know about cells (parts
of the cell, functions of those parts, and where cells are found).
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• Encourage the groups to share their lists with the rest of the students. Look for similarities and
differences in the lists.
• Tell the group that you need 8 volunteers to help represent different parts of a cell. Have the 8 students
stand in front of the rest of the group, and give each volunteering student a “Cell Part” card to read out
loud. Once the student has read their card, they are to put on the costume that relates to their cell part.
• Before the students read the cards, draw a picture of a cell on chart paper but leave the parts unlabeled.
When each student has fi nished reading their card and has put on the correlating costume, label the
appropriate cell part on the chart paper.
Parts of the Cell
Cell Membrane – The cell membrane is a border around the cell. The membrane is responsible for guarding the cell so that only
certain things can come inside or leave the cell. So the cell membrane allows only things like oxygen, food, water, and waste to
move in and out. And the membrane keeps out things that could be harmful to the cell.
**The cell membrane is the “Sheriff,” put on the Sheriff’s hat, bandana, and badge.
Cytoplasm – The cytoplasm is a jelly-like material that fi lls up the cell. The other parts of the cell are held in place by fl oating in
the cytoplasm. The cytoplasm also provides water and nutrients that the cell needs.
**The cytoplasm is the “Chef,” fi nd the spatula, chef hat, and apron.
Endoplasmic Reticulum – The endoplasmic reticulum is a system of tiny tubes that serve as tunnels to deliver proteins to different
parts of the cell. Some proteins end up being used in the cell, and other proteins are sent to the Golgi Body to be sorted and
sent outside the cell.
**The endoplasmic reticulum is the “Truck Driver,” fi nd the trucker hat.
Golgi Body – The golgi body’s job is to sort, package, and ship proteins and chemicals for the cell to either use or release. For
example, the golgi body receives proteins from the Endoplasmic Reticulum and sends these proteins outside of the cell.
**The golgi body is the “Postal Worker,” fi nd the Postal Service hat and the stack of envelopes.
Lysosome – The lysosome is what allows the cells to digest food, old cells, or captured bacteria/viruses. The lysosome holds
chemicals (called enzymes) that are released when the cell needs to digest food for energy or to get rid of waste.
**The lysosome is the “Trash Collector,” fi nd the work gloves and trash bags.
Nucleus – The nucleus directs the cell activity. It controls when the cell eats, moves, and reproduces. The nucleus is also the
storage place for Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), which is the blueprint for how proteins are arranged in our cells. Proteins
make cells grow, control chemical reactions, and give us our uniqueness.
**The nucleus is the “Orchestra Conductor,” fi nd the conductor’s gloves and the DNA sheet music.
Mitochondria – The mitochondria are responsible for converting food molecules into energy for the cell. The mitochondria
break apart food molecules and release the energy from the molecules into the cell.
**The mitochondria is the “Power Plant,” fi nd the batteries and the fake food.
Ribosome – The ribosomes make proteins for the cell. Ribosomes know exactly how to make the proteins because they get a
copy of the instructions from our DNA, which is stored in the nucleus of our cells. This copy is called Ribonucleic Acid (RNA).
**The ribosome is the “Carpenter,” fi nd the instructions, tool belt, and tools.
• After the students dress up in their costumes, lead the group in a brief recapping discussion. Ask the students
to think about how all the parts work together in order to make the cell function. Refer to the diagram of
the cell on the chart paper when discussing certain parts of the cell.