Zooming Into the Cell: A Quest Through the Microscopic World - Grade level: Highschool/First Year University Students - By Jana Karnib

Introduction

Every living thing - from the tiniest bacterium to the largest blue whale - is made of cells. Cells are the basic units of life. They come in many shapes and sizes, but all cells share common features that allow them to grow, reproduce, and carry out the essential functions of life.

This WebQuest will take you inside both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells to help you explore their structures and organelles. You'll learn the functions of each part, how they work together, and why they are vital to life. You'll also investigate the differences between plant and animal cells and discover how cell structure relates to cell function.

What cell-to-cell communication teaches ...

By the end of this journey, you’ll not only understand the parts of a cell - you’ll also be able to teach them to others using creative, clear, and visual formats.

Task

Your mission is to complete the following 3 tasks: 

1. Thorough research 

  • Explore the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and then dive deeper into eukaryotic cells by conducting thorough research on at least 10 different organelles, focusing on their structure and function.

2. Model preparation 

  • Design and prepare a three dimensional model of either a plant cell or animal cell containing all the organelles you have conducted your research on. Make sure that each part is properly labeled. 

3. Presentation to middle school students

  • Present your model to middle school students. Make sure you clearly explain the structure and function of each component of your cell. 
Process

Follow these steps in order to complete all the tasks: 

1. Thorough research

Conduct a thorough research using the below questions as a guide. Make sure to write down your findings in a concise bullet-point form.

  • Prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells:

    • What are prokaryotic cells?

    • What are eukaryotic cells? 

    • What are the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxujitlv8wc

  • Animal vs plant cells: 

    • What are the differences between animal and plant cells? 

    • Why do these differences between animal and plant cells arise?

    • How can these differences between animal and plant cells be observed under a microscope?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OssfJpkEjLk

Sources: 

- https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/plant-cells-animal-cells.htm

- https://www.superprof.co.uk/resources/academic/academic-science/biology-science/biology-gcse/structure-of-plant-and-animal-cells.html

  • Organelles: 

    • What are the organelles? 

    • Why are organelles important?

      • What new properties and abilities arise due to the presence of organelles?

    • What is the function and structure of at least 10 of the following organelles? 

      • Cell wall 

      • Cell membrane 

      • Cytoplasm 

      • Nucleus 

      • Vacuole 

      • Ribosomes

      • Lysosomes 

      • Smooth endoplasmic reticulum 

      • Rough endoplasmic reticulum 

      • Golgi apparatus 

      • Mitochondria 

      • Chloroplast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mgkoqcm6Sg

Sources: 

- https://byjus.com/biology/cell-organelles/

- https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/mcat/cells/eukaryotic-cells/a/organelles-article

 

2. Model preparation 

  1. Select your group

    • Split yourselves into groups of 3.

  2. Compare findings 

    • Compare your findings that you have previously written in bullet point form. 

    • Make sure to add any information that you missed.

  3. Decide on the type of cell 

    • As a group, decide on whether you would like to construct a plant cell or an animal cell.

  4. Construct a model 

    • Using tools and supplies in the art room, construct a three-dimensional model of the cell of your choice.

    • Some supplies you can use are:

      • Styrofoam, molding clay, markers, glue gun, posters, etc...

    • The model must have at least 10 different organelles.

    • Make sure that each organelle is labeled with its name along with a brief description of its structure and function.

    • Use the below pictures as a sample:

The Significance of Plant Cell 3D Models in Education | SkyHow to make animal cell model | science project | @2minutesscience548

 

3. Presentation to middle school students

  • Practice your presentation at least 5 times. Make sure that the parts are split equally between each group member.

  • We will then go to a middle school class, where each group will present their project.

  • As the models cannot accommodate a large amount of written information, make sure that you cover the rest of the details orally while presenting.

  • Make sure to speak using terms and vocabulary suitable for a middle school level.

Evaluation

The assignment is over 50 points, divided as follows: 

1. Thorough research (20 points)

Task Description Points
Thoroughness of research Research is thorough and detailed 10
Accurate documentation Research is neatly and concisely summarized in bullet point form 5
Variety of resources At least three different resources are used 3
Citations Resources are cited using the proper format 2

2. Model preparation (20 points) 

Task Description Points
Organelles At least 10 organelles are present 10
Description A brief description of each organelle's structure and function is present 5
Labeling All organelles are properly labeled 3
Neatness and creativity  Model is neat and creative 2

3. Presentation to middle school students (10 points)

Task Description Points
Clarity of presentation Presentation is clear and engaging 3
Preparedness  Presenters are prepared and are not solely reading from their notes 3
Proper terminology Terminology and vocabulary fit for middle school students is used 2
Contribution Each group member contributed equally to the presentation 2

 

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've just completed your journey through the fascinating microscopic universe that exists within every living organism. Cells may be small, but their internal structure is incredibly organized and efficient. From the mitochondria to the ribosomes, each organelle contributes to the overall function and survival of the cell.

By examining the structure and function of at least ten organelles, you’ve developed a deeper understanding of how cells are not just random blobs of matter - they are highly specialized, self-regulating systems that sustain life. You’ve also seen how cells differ between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and between plants and animals, particularly how certain organelles like chloroplasts and cell walls provide unique features like photosynthesis and structural support.

This newly gained knowledge has wide-reaching applications. Whether you plan to enter medicine, genetics, environmental science, or biotechnology, understanding how cells work is essential. The parts of a cell are central players in disease, healing, development, and even scientific breakthroughs such as cloning and gene editing.

Every time you breathe, heal a wound, or digest your food, your cells and their organelles are working in perfect harmony.

Keep exploring - there’s a universe inside you waiting to be understood!

Credits

Citations: