Cell+City





How does a cell function like a city? Think about the sites and sounds of a city. You see people and cars moving about, buildings, restaurants, and lights everywhere. What a flurry of activity!

Cells, the basic units of life, can be compared to a city. Cells are building and breaking down material. Cells release energy from foods, and then use that energy to make needed cell parts. Cells function to make your body operate like a well run city.



1. Use this web quest site to research the functions of cell organelles and to complete both the cell structure summary and cell diagram. 2. With your group, complete the city structure sheet. 3. In your group, work together to plan and create a blueprint of your cell city. 4. For your presentation, each group member will chose a different career choice below and complete the job associated with that role. a. Travel Agent- You will create a brochure for your cell city. b. Newspaper Journalist/ Newscaster- You will write news articles regarding "Cell City" news. c. Musician/ Poet- You will compose and perform a song or compose and recite a poem.

1. Research each cell organelle to determine its function. Also, label the parts of the cell on the diagram hand-out. Below you will find a list of the cell organelles. Click on each organelle, and you will be taken to a link that will help you find answers for your cell questionnaire ([|Cell Questionnaire.docx]) and to label your diagram hand-out.

[|Nucleus] [|Lysosome] [|Mitochondria] [|Endoplasmic Reticulum] [|Vacuole] [|Cell Wall] [|Chloroplast] [|Cell Membrane] [|Cytoplasm] [|Golgi Apparatus]

2. In your group, discuss how each organelle corresponds to an actual city structure. Each group member needs to fill in their own Cell City Structures Sheet. [|Cell City Structures.docx]

3. As a group, make a blueprint of your cell city. It should include labels for all cell organelles and their corresponding city structure. Together, give your cell city a name.

4. Each member will chose one of the three careers listed in the Career Job Description and complete the job associated with that role. Click [|Career Job Descriptions.docx] for detailed job instructions.



This is the rubric for this project. [|Rubric.docx]



Although this activity seems simple, cells are very complex. You will be able to better understand the interrelationship of the cell's organelles through this comparison to a city. This introduction to cells will prepare you for more detailed instruction in the future.

Originally created by Amy Resler (AResler@msdwt.k12.in.us) and Audra Rasmussen (ARasmussen@msdwt.k12.in.us) Updated by Mr. Olivieri, March 2008.