Group Members
  • Kelly Hogan, Facilitator 
  • Rita Graze
  • Matthew Kearley 
  • Zheng-Hua Ye
  • Xiaoyu Zhang
  • Christine Sestero
  • Heather Tinsley
  Learning Goal: 
  Understand how organelles/cell structure relate to the overall function 
  of the cell. 
    –How is cell structure and content responsible for differences between plant 
    and animal cells or cell types in different tissues?
    –What functions are not related to the organelles/cell structure?
   
  Learning Objectives:
    1. Identify the major cell organelles.
    2. List the major functions of the organelles.
    3. Predict how changes in organelle/cell structure could alter cellular function .
    4. Explain how overall cellular function is dependent upon organelles/cell 
     structure.
    5. Relate cell structure to every day contexts. 
  Target Audience: Introductory biology course for non-majors;
    One 50 minute lecture.
                                 Unit Outline
      •  Pre-class: Students read the chapter about cells and organelles 
         in their textbook. 1 hour
      •  Introduction: Review with students what activities cells must 
         perform and which organelles are responsible for these 
         activities. 10 minutes
      •  Activity #1: Students build a model plant or animal cell. 10 
         minutes
      •  Activity #2, Cell Detective: Students build an imaginary cell 
         suited for a specific function; students exchange cells and 
         attempt to guess function. 15 minutes
      •  Mini-lecture: Give real life examples of how cell structure aids 
         with function; clarify misconceptions revealed during 
         activities. 10 minutes
      •  Summation: Leave students with a thought-provoking question 
         to take their understanding a step further. 5 minutes
         Cell Detective
  • Part 1: Design a cell.
  • Part 2: Exchange with a neighbor and guess 
   the identity of your neighbor’s cell.
  • Part 3: Discuss with the class.
    Cell Detective (Part 1 – 7 minutes)
  • Each group has a handout with a specific description 
   of an imaginary cell.
  • Your task is to draw a cell that best fits the 
   description given.
  • Be sure to pay particular attention to any differences 
   that this cell should possess when compared to the 
   model cell that you constructed earlier.
  • Begin by deciding on and drawing the outline of the 
   cell, then fill in with the appropriate organelles. 
  • Be sure to label the organelles, but do not write the 
   function of your cell on the paper.
  • Feel free to use your notes and textbook.