Transcript Cell Analogy Project

Science Snack FOR 11-19-09
–How are cells like building
blocks?
–Agenda –
• Cell in a Bag
• Cell Analogy Project due
Monday 12-7-09
Cell Analogies
Analogy (Webster’s): “A
comparison between two things
which are similar in some respects,
but otherwise different. An
explaining of something by
comparing it point by point with
something else.”
• In order to better understand
cells and the function of
organelles, you will be
responsible for making
analogies relating to every
day objects.
• Analyze the analogies given to
you to determine if they correctly
represent the relationship
between the organelle and the
object. Remember you are
basing your analogies on
FUNCTIONS of the organelles
NOT shape, size, color etc.
Critieria to look for:
1. Is the analogy comparing the right
relationship
2. Does the analogy show the
reasoning behind the choice.
3. Is the analogy a functional
analogy? (That means is it based on
the function and not the appearance.
Examples
• The nucleus is like a CEO
because it controls and
coordinates the activities of the
whole cell in the same way the
CEO controls and coordinates
the activities of his company.
(Do not use this analogy.)
• Here is another example:
• The cell wall of a plant cell is like a brick
wall of a house because both of them
provide support and protection. The cell
wall gives the plant cell structure and
keeps unwanted substances and objects
out as well. The brick wall of house also
keeps things out (like wind, rain, and
people that aren’t invited) while enabling
the house to stand up. (Do not use this
analogy.)
Cell Analogy examples:
Not Good:
• The cell membrane is
like a security guard
because they both keep
stuff out.
• Better but not great:
• The cell membrane is like a
security guard because the
cell membrane keeps stuff out
of a cell, and a security guard
keeps stuff out of a place.
• Solid:
• The cell membrane is to a cell as
a security guard is to a mall. The
cell membrane makes chemical
"decisions" about what can come
into and go out of a cell. Similarly,
a security guard makes decisions
about who can come into a mall
and who should leave.
Cell Analogy Project
• Your Cell Analogy will be based on a
theme: To help you before you start
your analogy choose the theme you are
going to use and list differents parts of
that theme. Ex: Hot Dog Stand –
buns, hot dogs, (ketchup, mustard, etc),
money, hot dog vendor etc) Are there
enough parts to the theme that you can
compare a cell to it? If not choose
another comparision.