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7th Grade Science Project: How to Make a City Out of a Cell

Many middle and high school students learn about cell organelles in biology class. Just like a city offers different stores, services and structures that work together for the benefit of the whole, each cell organelle has a specific function that contributes to overall cell health and efficiency. A "cell city" science project involves researching cell organelles and comparing their functions to those of important people, natural features and businesses in a well-managed city.

Instructions

    • 1

      Read about cell organelles and their functions in your science textbook or on a reputable website. Ask your teacher if you need to research a plant cell or an animal cell, since their organelles vary. Some basic cell organelles include the plasma membrane, chromosomes, cytoplasm, the mitochondria, the nucleus, and the vacuoles.

    • 2

      Compare the cell's functions to the functions of city workers, businesses and structures. For example, vacuoles, which contain water, are analogous to lakes, while guards or border patrol officers, who control who exits and enters an area, are analogous to a cell's plasma membrane. If you are creating a plant cell city, the chloroplasts, which make food for plant cells, are analogous to a restaurant or chef.

    • 3

      Draw a city plan that includes all the required organelles. Ask your teacher if she wants you to use specific materials in creating the plan; in general, students are encouraged to use their imagination rather than adhere to a strict materials list or drawing style. Label each city structure with a name that includes a cell organelle, for example "Chloroplast Café" or "Vacuole Pond." The placement of these structures in the city plan should resemble the placement of organelles in a cell.

    • 4

      Mold a 3-D model based on your drawn city plan, if required. If no specific materials are required, you can use cardboard, clay, foam or building blocks to create the model.

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