Allow students to explore the ways they can express the structure and function of organelles in various mediums. Assign each student or group one organelle or a few organelles, such as the nuclear membrane, Golgi apparatus, cell wall, chloroplasts and so forth. They must present to the class on how the organelle is structured and what it does through a creative medium. Suggestions include writing and playing a song, making a pamphlet or creating a poem.
For a simple and basic project for beginner students, have each of them draw a picture of a different organelle. When students reach higher grades and more advanced levels of learning, ask them to construct a graphic representation of a cell with all of the organelles labeled. Some options include sculpting a model out of clay, using paints and paper to create the picture, or utilizing a graphic design program on a computer.
Assign each student a specific area to research or let them pick their own topics. Have students research the discovery of a particular organelle, or how all of the organelles work together to help the body function. Other related topics include the cellular processes of the organelles, comparisons and contrasts between plant and animal organelles, or a biography of a person who discovered information about organelles. Have the students conduct research online and in the library.
Engaging in WebQuests will teach students background information about the subject, as well as involve them in some real life applications of organelle studies. For example, the Cell Organelle WebQuest will help the students to become experts on the different types of organelles. Another option is the Great Well WebQuest, which will culminate in student PowerPoint presentations about the information they have learned on both organelles as well as cells in general.