Introduction

If you think about all of the parts of the cell, they each have a specific function to make everything work properly. The Cell Wall in a plant cell helps protect and give structure to the plant, chloroplasts aid in the process of photosynthesis, the nucleus in both plant and animal cells control the functions of the cell, and the mitochondria help turn sugar into ENERGY - a real powerhouse!!

With your group, you will turn the cell into a city (otherwise known as 'Cellville') using the functions of the organelles.

The Quest

Your goal is to discover the cell and design its components (organelles) to resemble a city.

The Process and Resources

In this WebQuest you will be working together with a group of 4-5 students in class. Each group will design a city and create a legend. As a member of the group you will explore Webpages from people all over the world who care about Cells. Because these are real Webpages we're tapping into, not things made just for schools, the reading level might challenge you. Feel free to use the online Webster dictionary or one in your classroom.

You'll begin with everyone in your group getting some background before dividing into roles where people on your team become experts on one part of the topic.

Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone

Use the Internet information linked below to find more about the specific functions of organelles. Be creative in exploring the information so that you can design your city creatively and appropriately.

Phase 2 - Looking Deeper from Different Perspectives

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Individuals or pairs from your larger WebQuest team will explore one of the roles below.

2. Read through the files linked to your group. Finish the Functions worksheet as your research.

3. Follow the process to complete the project.

Goal

On white construction paper, you must design your city using rulers, compasses, and colored pencils. You will create a legend comparing your organelle to the city item and fully explain your reasons.

Process

1. In your eChalk account, you will find worksheets have been posted under science.
2. In your groups research the organelles in plant and animal cells. Fill out the Function Chart. It would be helpful if the research for this was divided evenly among group members. Have this approved to continue your work.
3. Once your Function Chart has been approved, decide which organelles will become structures within your city. Please brainstorm this list on the Organelle-City-Structures worksheet (see eChalk).
4. Your group is now ready to sketch out the city. You may have several drafts. I suggest each member of the group create a draft, then pool your drafts together for your final draft on grid paper.
5. Carefully design your draft on construction paper as your final copy. Create and attach the legend (also posted on eChalk).

• What is a Cell?
• Animal Cell
• The Biology Project
• Plant Cell
• Cellular Biology
• Cell Structure and Processes
• The Cell Page
• Animal Cell Anatomy
• Animal and plant cells

Jobs

Task Manager - The Task Manager will keep everyone on task. You will also help research organelle functions and design your own rough draft.

Recorder - You will keep record of people's ideas, help research organelle functions, design your own rough draft, and finally make the final draft of the legend.

Engineer (2)- Both of you will help create the final copy of your city. You will help research the organelles and make a rough draft.

Communications Manager - You will work with the Task Manager in keeping peace between the members of your group. You will also be in charge of getting materials approved by the teacher and relaying any questions/concerns to the teacher. You will still be responsible for researching organelle functions and creating your rough draft.


ENRICHED OPPORTUNITIES: Should you choose to take part in this, you will still be responsible for your role with your group.
*Journalist*
Create a city newsletter/newspaper. One of the features in your paper must be about the planning/construction of the city.
*Advertising*
How would you market your city to increase tourism? Choose one (or more!) of the following: create an ad for a billboard, an ad in the newletter/newspaper, a jingle for the radio (no longer than 30 seconds) or a commercial.
*Graphic Designer*
Create a travel brochure for tourists.
*Musician*
Create a song (like a national anthem) for your city.
*Artist*
Draw/color/paint a landscape of your city.
*Engineer*
Create a model of the city using non-edible materials.

Rubric

Also posted on eChalk is the rubric that will be used to determine your score. The rubric consists of three parts: how well you completed your job, your city and team evaluation. The average grade given by your group members will make up the team evaluation.

Phase 3 - Debating, Discussing, and Reaching Consensus

You have all learned about a different part of Cells. Now group members come back to the larger WebQuest team with expertise gained by about the functions of the organelles. You must all now create your final copy. Each of you will bring a certain viewpoint to the answer: some of you will agree and others disagree. Use information, pictures, facts, opinions, etc. from the Webpages you explored to convince your teammates that your viewpoint is important and should be part of your team's answer to the Goal. Your WebQuest team should design a city that everyone on the team can live with.

Phase 4 - Real World Feedback

On notebook paper, complete the following:

List your team members (YOUR NAME FIRST):



Who did the most work on your team? Why?


Who did the least work on your team? Why?


Did your team meet/talk outside of school? Yes/No
How many times?
For how long?
How many hours, not counting in class did you work on your team project?

By each team members name, Rate them on a scale of 5 being A+ effort, or 4 being A-/B+ effort, 3 being B-/C+ effort or 2 being C-/D+ effort. You must explain why you are giving each person their score.

Your Contact is: the designated contact

Conclusion

Great job! You are done and now you all know a lot more about Cells. Nice work. You should be proud of yourselves! How can you use what you've learned to see beyond the black and white of a topic and into the grayer areas? What other parts of Cells could still be explored? Remember, learning never stops.