FOOTBALL WITHIN THE CELL

OBJECTIVES: 

            Content:  Describe the structure and function of the following cell parts: 

nucleus, nucleolus, nuclear envelope, cytoplasm, metabolism, rough and smooth

endoplasmic reticulum, golgi bodies, lysosomes, mitochondria, mirotubules,

centrioles, cell membrane, vacuoles, eukaryotic cells, and prokaryotic cells.

Possibly compare and contrast the differences between animal and plant

cells.

RELATION TO MISSOURI FRAMEWORKS:

5-8: VII A2  The cell and its parts

5-8: VII A4  The cell and its functions

9-12 VII A1  A more in-depth look of the parts and functions of cellular organelles

CONTEXT:

            Grade Level:  7-10

            Group of 15-20 for StarLab presentation

PREREQUISITE:

            Students should have some knowledge of cell structure and function and be aware that there are considerable differences between plant and animal cells.

MATERIALS:

            StarLab Portable Planetarium

            Starfield Cylinder

            Arrow pointers

            Red flashlights

            Pencil

            Activity sheets

PROCEDURE:

1.      Turn on the animal cell cylinder after all students are seated and ready.

2.      Introduce activity with this introduction: All living things are made up of small, individual units that cannot be seen with the naked eye.  These units are called cells.  Some organisms consist of one cell; others are made up of many cells.  Whether one-celled or many celled, the life processes of the organism are carried on by its cells.

3.      Explain that this technique used to describe structure and function of organelles is new and creatively designed to simulate a football game.

4.      Turn on the rotator and give the students a minute to study the movement.

5.      Put pointer on the nuclear envelope and explain what this organelle is used for and how it pertains to football.

6.      Follow step 5 with the rest of the organelles and how they are similar to the environment of a football game.

Nuclear envelope – Offensive huddle

Nucleus – Quarterback

Nucleolus – Football

Cytoplasm – Field

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum – Defensive Line

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum – Second String Defensive Line

Golgi Bodies – Nose Guard

Mitochondria – Linebackers

Centrioles – Free Safety

Vacuoles – Strong Safety

Lysosomes – Cornerbacks

Microtubules – Fans

Cell Membrane – Stadium

7.      After locating and discussing structure and function of certain organelles, ask students to see if they can locate and explain the function of random cell parts.

8.      Have students carefully exit the planetarium.

9.      Distribute activity sheets and allow students to complete them.

EXTENSIONS AND/OR ADAPTATIONS:

            After exiting the dome, conduct an activity or demonstration with the students reconstructing how the cell functions and why organelles are located where they are in the cell.

REFERENCE:

Schraer, William D. and Stoltze, Herbert J.  (1995). Biology: The Study of Life. 

            Prentice Hall. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

Rubenstein, Irwin. (1995). The Cell: Department of Genetics and Cell Biology. 

            Prentice Hall. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

EXTENSIONS AND/OR ADAPTATIONS:

CONTENT BACKGROUND:

APPENDIX:

WEB SITES: