Download Cell-tastic Drama

Cell-tastic Drama
Teacher Notes
The purpose of this activity is to reinforce the basic elements of an animal cell structure and
function learned in module 1. Teachers should refer to the teacher notes of the programme
support pack for additional information.
What you will need
Students willing to get active! Similar coloured t-shirts/costumes (optional).
Teacher preparation
Clear a space in the classroom big enough to create a large circle of children holding hands.
Skills Development
Questioning, Sorting & Classifying, Recording & Communicating.
Activities
1. Group children into the different cell parts. 10 for the cell membrane, 3 for the nucleus, 6
for the golgi bodies, several pairs of 2 for each of the organelles (mitochondria, vacuoles,
lysosomes). 5 children to represent food and oxygen which enters the cells. These
numbers can be changed to suit the number of children in the class. The only effect will
be to make the cell larger or smaller.
2. Before beginning the exercise, revise the cell structure with the class and discuss the
functions of each of the cell parts mentioned above.
3. Bring the children who will represent the cell membrane to the front of the class and get
them to create a large circular space with a large enough gap between each child to
allow them to eventually hold hands.
4. Bring the children who will represent the nucleus to the front of the class and get them
to create a smaller circle inside the cell membrane. These children can hold hands
immediately.
5. Bring the children who will represent the 3 organelle types to the front of the class and
get them to stand in random places throughout the cell holding hands. The lysosomes &
vacuoles should be quite circular in shape. The mitochondria are more “eye” shaped.
6. Bring the children who will represent the golgi bodies to the front of the class and get
them to stand in wave like rows in front of each other in the cell.
7. The outer row of children representing the cell membrane can now hold hands.
8. Get the children to “act out” the different cell functions. The nucleus will be shouting
orders telling the cell what to do. The membrane will open its hands in different places to
create pores which will allow the oxygen and nutrients into the cell. The mitochondria will
use these nutrients and oxygen to create energy in the cell and some of them will be
sent back out of the cell as carbon dioxide. The lysosomes will be busy breaking up parts
of the cell which are worn out for reuse or substances which are brought into the cell
which may disturb the cells natural order. The vacuoles will be busy storing food and
waste products until they are ready to be digested (food) or disposed of (waste). The
golgi bodies will be ready to transport new products out of the cell.
9. Get children to speak in turn about what actions they are carrying out – allow them to be
creative with how they act out the different cell functions.
Safety
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The space where the role play takes place should be large enough so that children do not
bump into any classroom equipment or furniture.
Children should take care when carrying out their cell functions so as not to hurt any
other children.