Biology - HOT Science Lab

Teacher
Cell Model Project
NGSSS:
SC.912.L.14.3 Compare and contrast the general structures of plant and animal cells. Compare
and contrast the general structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. (AA)
Purpose of the Lab/Activity:
Construct a model of an animal or plant cell.
Compare and contrast the general structures of plants and animals cells.
Relate the structure to function for the components of plants and animal cells.
Prerequisites:
An understanding of the cellular roles of biomolecules, including carbohydrates, lipids,
proteins, and nucleic acids.
Materials (per group):
open space
Procedures: Day of Activity:
Before
activity:
During
activity:
What the teacher will do:
a. Activate student‘s prior knowledge:
1. What are some of the structures inside a cell that help it to live and
perform its role in an organism Answers will vary. Students may be
aware of the nucleus and plasma membrane.
2. How do you think plant cells differ from animal cells (Hint: What can
plants do that animals cannot) Answers will vary. Students may note
that plants can produce energy from sunlight, so they must need some
kind of structure for doing this.
b. Prior to this activity, Students‘ misconceptions should be addressed. Some
common misconceptions are:
1. Cells are the same in all living things.
What the teacher will do:
a. It is suggested that the cell model project be completed as a home learning
activity, however if completed during class period have students review the
cell to city analogy. Website:
http://biology.unm.edu/ccouncil/Biology_124/Summaries/Cell.html
b. Creating an analogy of a cell to a city can help students understand the
basic functions of the organelles. You may use the analogy provided or
come up with your own.
In many ways, cells can be compared to the structures and institutions that
keep a city running.
c. As students are working or just after they are done, discuss the following
questions:
1. Which organelle functions like a city government nucleus
2. Which organelle can be compared to the post office golgi apparatus
3. Which organelle is the power plant for the cell mitochondria
4. Which organelles are like factories ribosomes
5. Which organelle is like a solar panel chloroplast
Biology HSL Page 151
Curriculum and Instruction