7th Grade Life Science

Cell Model Project

Project:

You are to build a 3-D model of a plant or animal cell.  Hint: Think diorama

This model can be based upon an actual cell (muscle, nerve, skin cell) or based on the generic cell found in textbooks.  Do not base your model on the Bob Jones text we're using.  If necessary, I can supply a picture of a cell and its organelles. 

Design Constraints:

·        The model should be no smaller than 20 cm x 20 cm x 15 cm (can adjust size with permission from Mrs. Griffin)

·        The model should be no larger than 40 cm (l) x 30 cm (w) x 25 cm (h). (can adjust size with permission from Mrs. Griffin)

·        You should spend no more than $8 total on the project.

·        The model must  include all of the following parts of the cell:

     Cell membrane --

     Cell wall if plant cell

     Chloroplasts if plant cell –4 each

     Nucleus with pores in membrane

     Mitochondria –3 each

     Golgi body –2 each

     Ribosomes –10 (5 on ER and 5 in cytoplasm)

     Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) –next to nucleus, Rough and Smooth

     Vacuole –1

     Lysosome –1

·        All the parts of the cell are to be labeled, preferably typed, or a key to be attached to the cell.

·        The inside of the cell must visible: either the cell can be "opened" or part of the cell membrane can be removed for viewing.

·        Bonus—show ribosome making a protein with mRNA and tRNA

Suggested materials

          Shoe boxes        macaroni             pasta                    peanuts

          Plastic wrap         nuts/bolts             M&M's                 straws

          Tissue paper       pipe cleaners      toothpicks            2 lt. bottles

          Lg. Juice bottles seeds                  twigs                    fishing line

Please no liquids or Jell-O

Documentation

·        Submit a draft sketch of your model with a list of supplies.

·        Submit final documentation on day model is due to be at school

Grading

          Creativity—25 pts

          Accuracy of model—85 pts

          Meeting size requirements and budget—15 pts.

          Documentation—25 pts

          Bonus point—10 pts

Total value – 150 pts

Deadlines

Idea sketches and supply list: ______________

Date to bring model to school: ______________

Date to bring final documentation: ____________