Gold Seal Lesson:
Cell Design

Copernicus Education Gateway

Subject:

Science

Grade:

9-12

ICLE Standards:

Life Science: Understanding of the cell.

Performance Task:

For this task you are to assume that you are an architect. Because of your outstanding reputation for constantly building creative, one-of-a-kind masterpieces, you have been chosen for this difficult assignment. The client, Mr. Schwann, is one eccentric fellow. Mr. Schwann had a wonderful experience in his high school biology class and would like to have his factory, the Protein Manufacturing Company, set up to resemble a real living cell. This includes all organelles and functions. This will be the first ever "cell factory."
Your task is to design, develop the blueprints for and build a model of Mr. Schwann's factory. You may use any available materials that you have.

Note to the teacher: This task could be done individually or by teams of students.

Knowledge / Skills:

Plan and apply real or hypothetical models and constructions to facilitate investigation and learning and the solution to practical problems.  (s115)

Identify the cell as a common unit between living things; understand cell structure and the functions they perform.  (s9)

Understand and use graphs, charts, and visuals to enhance informational writing.  (ela29)

Rubric:

4 Points  = 
The student(s) independently completes all parts of the task. His/her blueprint and model show creativity. The student demonstrates full understanding of the structure of a cell and each part's function. The blueprint is neatly and accurately made, careful attention is given to detail, and the model is well constructed.

3 Points  = 
The student(s) need some help to complete all parts of the task. His/her understanding of the cell and the function of each part of the cell is somewhat incomplete. The design is somewhat creative, but is not as well made as could be. Not enough attention is given to accuracy and detail. 

2 Points  =  
The student(s) need much help to complete the task. He/she does not have complete understanding of what a cell is and what function each part of the cell has. The design was not creative, the blueprints are poorly constructed, and the model bears little resemblance to a cell.

1 Point  =  
The student(s) does not complete the task. The student demonstrates no real understanding of what a cell is or what function various parts of a cell play. The student put little or no effort into the task.

Keywords:

LIFE SCIENCE
CELLS
TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION
MODELS & CONSTRUCTION

Grades:

Kg [] - 1 [] - 2 [] - 3 [] - 4 [] - 5 [] - 6 [] - 7 [] - 8 [] - 9 [X] - 10 [X] - 11 [X] - 12 [X]

ICLE Application:

D

© 2000 International Center for Leadership in Education
1587 Route 146 - Rexford - NY - 12148
518.399.2776 Fax: 518.399.7607
80