There are three parts to this project. Make sure that you complete both parts. This project is worth 100 points in the gradebook.
3D Model - You will create a three- dimensional model of your assigned organelle. The model must represent the structure of your organelle and include appropriate labels for all parts of the organelle. Your model MAY NOT be constructed from perishable items such as Jello, cupcakes, or fruit.
Presentation - You will prepare a presentation for the class. The presentation must include a visual medium such as a poster, Power Point, or recorded video presentation along with the three-dimensional model you created. Your presentation is to include the following information:
The name of the organelle
What type(s) of cells it is found in
Description of the structure and identification of the components
Explanation of the function of the organelle and how the structure helps with its function
Discussion of the major processes that occur within the organelle
What other organelles your organelle may interact with and an explanation of the nature of that interaction
What molecules are used by the organelle and what are the end products produced by your organelle
Works Cited: A works Cited must be included including the sources you used for the three-demonstrational model. You need to use MLA citation format when citing your sources.
Article - You will find a peer-viewed article that discusses current research concerning your organelle. You will write a one - to- two page summary summarizing the information in the article.
Additional Documents:
Introduction: Communication between cells is important in order to ensure that they are performing their required functions. Cell to cell communication usually takes the form of a signal transduction pathway. You can think of such a pathway as a row of dominoes, all standing on their ends. Push one domino over, and the rest fall, due to their direct or indirect association with the first one you pushed over.
Some signals that cells send only work over a short distance. For example, in the brain, neurotransmitters allow one neuron to excite its neighbor. The signal travels no further. Other signals, however, do travel a further distance. Hormones, for example, are secreted by a source organ and travel to target cells, equipped with specialized receptors, in remote regions of the body. Unfortunately, signal transduction might go awry. Because there are so many players and so many steps in the process, it is easy to see how this might happen.
To complete this project you will need to:
Review information about how problems in cell signaling can lead to diseases:
Explain the stages of a normal signal transduction pathway.
Understand the role of extracellular molecules (in ligands) in normal signal transduction.
Recognize the role of protein kinases, cyclic AMP or calcium in the regulation of cellular biochemical pathways in non-diseased cells.
Describe what a cell does when it receives a signal (What kinds of cellular processes are altered upon receipt of a signal?)
Explain how the disease you have researched results from a disruption of this signal transduction pathway. (whether it be a reception, transduction, or response issue)
Share this information with in a visual and oral presentation
You will develop a poster that explains the basics of the disease and its relationship to a faulty signal transduction pathway. Much of this research is “cutting edge.” Your poster must explain both the “normal” pathway and the “faulty” pathway and describe treatments and/or research being performed concerning the disease. Pictures and graphics are also necessary. I expect you to be able to explain, in your own words, the basics of the mechanism and the way in which the failure of the mechanism leads to disease.
You must use reliable resources and cite all sources. This project is worth 100 points in the gradebook.
Additional Documents:
Project Options:
Write and perform (or make a music video/tik tok/skit) of a song or rap for the class that explains the process of mitosis. It must consist of at least 8 paragraphs (verses) and be at least two minutes long. Make sure to provide a copy of the lyrics or the poem. Song/rap/skit can be recorded or performed in class. Poems will be read/presented in class.
Create and present to the class a 3-D visual representation (mobile, model, etc.) that explains the process of mitosis. You may use a variety of materials to create your model. This must also include a written explanation of what is happening at each stage. The model will be displayed and explained during the presentation.
Written Option:
Write a children’s book using lots of illustrations to help explain mitosis. Include descriptions of what happens at each stage, but remember, it should be written for children, so explain things in simple terms. You will read your book during the presentation.
Write a comic strip or comic book depicting what happens during mitosis. You should create some sort of story that incorporates all of the components and phases. Comics will be presented/explained during class.
Every project must include all of the following:
Explanation of what happens during:
Interphase
Prophase
Metaphase
Anaphase
Telophase
Cytokinesis
The role of and what happens to: chromosomes, centrioles, spindle fibers, nucleus, cell membrane
Define or explain the following: chromosomes, centrioles, spindle fibers, and nucleus)
The end result (after everything is done)
Turned in rubric
Additional Documents:
Option A: Children’s Biology Book
Choose one concept from the ecology units and develop a children’s book teaching young children about that topic. Your target audience should be kindergarten to third grade.
The book needs to include both words and illustrations.
You may use humor which is age appropriate.
Your book must be interesting to kids.
You must have a minimum of 18 graphics in your book and utilize six different colors. This may include drawings, paint, crayons, et. The picture has to help bring out the theme of the story. You will be graded on the quality of your graphic. You may not use any graphic cut and pasted from any source unless it is your own original photography. No graphic may be larger than 4.5 inches in width and height.
Your typing font must be a minimum size. Produce work no smaller than 12 Times New Roman font.
Your document may contain no spelling errors. You will receive a 1 point deduction for each spelling error.
Your book must have an illustrated cover with a “catchy title.”
Your book must be bound in either a report cover or a report binder.
Option B: Just a Formality
Formal ten page minimum paper or thirty-five plus slide Power Point presentation on any ecology topic. Note that the bibliography is not required for a PowerPoint presentation. You may not use over size 32 font in your PowerPoint and it must include at least fifteen cited graphics.
Option C: Video Option
Create a video (5 - 10 minutes in length) that showcases the wonderful world of AP Biology. The intent is that this video will be used as a “recruiting” tool for future AP Biology students, or to introduce AP Biology at a future open house. Creativity and appropriate humor are encouraged, but the video must be firmly founded in the reality that is AP Biology.
Create a second video (5 - to - minutes in length) on a class/lab topic from Ecology. You must provide a written transcript of two or more pages for the second video as well as citations.
Additional Documents: