Download Ms. E.Russell`s 7th Grade Life Science Classes START DATE

Ms. E.Russell’s 7th Grade Life Science Classes
START DATE:AUGUST 24,2010 DUE DATE: SEPTEMBER 2,2010
PROJECTS WILL ONLY BE TAKEN ON THE DUE DATE.
PLEASE READ THE NOTE AT THE BOTTOM OF PAGE 2 BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR
PROJECT.
INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE OF THE CELL ACTIVITY:
The Incredible, Edible Cell Project activity is designed to reinforce the concepts of cell structures and
functions. The student produces a cell model from various food items. Each food item will represent
a specific part ( organelle) of the cell. When the lab is completed, the cell model is edible.
This activity is designed to reinforce the concepts of cell structures and functions since it is difficult for
students to visualize cells as three dimensional structures. Most of the student exposure to cell structure
is through diagrams in textbooks and it is hard for them to portray the cells as multidimensional.
PROJECT MUST BE:
 Entirely edible ( can be eaten)—NOTE: Your project does not have to be digestible ( will not
make you sick0, or even palatable ( tastes good), just edible.
 No larger than 25cm x 43cm x 10cm ( 10inches by 17 inches by 4 inches), or No smaller than 10
cm x 10 cm x 10 cm ( 4 in.x 4 in. x 4 in.)
ACTIVITY PROCEDURES:
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Get, make or use something as an outside, hard, edible covering for your cell. This outside
covering is the cell wall.
---Cell Wall is the stiff outer structure that surrounds the cell membrane of all plant cells. It
keeps the cell rigid, helping the entire plant keep its shape.
Right inside the cell wall you will place a thin, flexible, edible layer. This will represent the
cell membrane.
--Cell membrane surrounds the cell and directs materials into and out of the cell.
You will also need edible cytoplasm.
--Cytoplasm is a jellylike material that fills the space inside the cell. Most cell parts float
within the cytoplasm.
In the center of the cytoplasm you will need to place a medium sized edible, round nucleus.
--Nucleus controls all cell activities, including how the cell grows, develops and divides.
Place one or two small, edible pieces in the cytoplasm. These will represent one or two
vacuoles.
--Vacuoles is a temporary storage area for either materials the cell needs or from waste
materials. Plant cells usually have fewer and larger vacuoles than animal cells. Most plant
cells just have one vacuole.
Scatter a few small, green pieces in the cytoplasm. This green food will represent
chloroplasts.
--Chloroplasts are scattered throughout the cytoplasm of the plant cell. The chloroplasts give
plants their green color and are used in making food.
Scatter a few small foods that are not green, in the cytoplasm. These will represent
mitochondria.
--Mitochondria carry out the activities that release energy for the cell.
8. Label the parts of your edible plant cell.
9. Bring you cell to school Tuesday September 2, 2010. If it needs to be refrigerated, place it in
a cooler with some ice.
NOTE: USE THE SAME STEPS AND PROCEDURES FOR AN ANIMAL CELL MODEL.
REMEMBER PLANT AND ANIMAL CELLS DO NOT HAVE THE SAME PARTS. MAKE SURE
YOU USE THE CORRECT PARTS FOR YOUR CELL.