Cellular Structures: Building Models of Famous Architectural Designs
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Cellular Structures: Building Models of Famous Architectural Designs

Grade 6Science10 days
In this project, 6th-grade students explore the relationship between cellular biology and architecture by designing and building architectural models that represent the functions of cellular structures. Students engage in activities such as analyzing micrographs, hypothesizing cellular functions, and creatively translating these elements into architectural blueprints and 3D models. Through this, they gain a deeper understanding of cell structure and function, enhance their creative and scientific inquiry skills, and learn to see cellular biology as a source of inspiration for architectural design.
Cellular BiologyArchitectural ModelsDesign CreativityScientific InvestigationModel BuildingInterdisciplinary Learning
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design architectural models to represent the structures and functions of cells in living organisms, and what famous structures can be used to illustrate these cellular functions?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • What are the basic structures and functions of cells in living organisms?
  • How can different cellular structures be represented through architectural models?
  • What are some famous architectural structures that can represent cell functions and designs effectively?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will understand the basic structures and functions of cells in living organisms.
  • Students will develop skills in creating architectural models that represent cellular functions.
  • Students will learn to identify famous architectural structures and their applicability in representing cell functions.
  • Students will engage in scientific investigations to explore cellular compositions of living organisms.
  • Students will articulate how cells work together to form systems within living organisms.

NGSS

MS-LS1-1
Primary
Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells; either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells.Reason: The project aligns with this standard by having students investigate and understand the cellular composition of living things through model building.
MS-LS1-2
Primary
Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function.Reason: The project involves students creating models to describe cell functions and the role of cell parts, directly addressing this standard.
MS-LS1-3
Secondary
Use argument supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems composed of groups of cells.Reason: By building architectural models to illustrate cellular functions, students can engage in evidence-based arguments about how cells form complex systems in the body.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Mystery Micrograph Challenge

Present students with a series of mystery micrographs, or magnified images of cell types, without providing the identity of the cells. Challenge them to investigate and draw parallels between these cells and architectural designs in the real world, initiating a project that merges biology with architectural creativity.

Design a Bio-Skyscraper

Invite students to conceptualize and draw a 'bio-skyscraper' inspired by cellular structure and function. This project kick-off combines their interest in design and biology, sparking curiosity about how the cellular world can influence human architectural innovation.

Cellular Architecture Case Study

Introduce a case study of a famous building designed with 'cells in mind', such as the Eden Project's biomes or the Gherkin in London. Students will research how biological cell functions inspired these designs, setting the context for their own bio-architecture projects.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Micrograph Detective Notebook

Students will start their investigation into cellular components by analyzing mystery micrographs to draw connections between cells and architectural designs.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Introduction to micrographs and their significance in biology.
2. Observe a series of mystery micrographs without labels.
3. Document observations, noting any architectural resemblance.
4. Hypothesize the type of cell and its potential function or role.
5. Discuss findings in small groups to refine ideas and understandings.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA science notebook entry documenting the observations, hypotheses, and group discussions about the micrographs.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with NGSS MS-LS1-1 as students investigate cell composition and MS-LS1-3 as they begin forming arguments about cellular roles.
Activity 2

Bio-Skyscraper Blueprint

Students will design a bio-skyscraper inspired by the functions and structures of cells to deepen their understanding of cellular design principles.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research functions of specific cell parts (e.g., nucleus, mitochondria).
2. Sketch initial ideas incorporating these functions into skyscraper designs.
3. Utilize art materials to create a detailed blueprint of a skyscraper with labeled cell function inspirations.
4. Share blueprints with peers for feedback on design and biological accuracy.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive blueprint representing a skyscraper designed with inspirations from specific cell parts, complete with function descriptions.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsMeets NGSS MS-LS1-2 as students develop models describing cell functions and MS-LS1-3 in illustrating how cells systems can inspire modern design.
Activity 3

Architectural Cell Models

Students will create three-dimensional models of cells, akin to famous architectural structures, to synthesize their understanding of cellular functions and interworking systems.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Select a cell type to model as an architectural structure.
2. Plan materials and measurements for constructing a 3D model.
3. Construct the architectural model, ensuring scale and accuracy.
4. Present the model and explain how each cell part and its function is represented in the structure.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA 3D architectural model of a cell, complete with explanations and justifications for design choices linked to cell functions.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports NGSS MS-LS1-2 in using models to describe cells and MS-LS1-3 by providing evidence for cell structures as systems.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Cellular Architecture Project Rubric

Category 1

Scientific Investigation

Evaluates the student's ability to conduct thorough investigations into cellular biology, draw scientific conclusions, and make connections to architectural models.
Criterion 1

Observation and Documentation

Assess the detail and accuracy in observing and documenting scientific inquiries, particularly in the analysis of micrographs.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides detailed and accurate observations with insightful connections to architectural designs, demonstrating a strong grasp of cellular structures.

Proficient
3 Points

Offers clear and accurate observations with appropriate connections to architectural models, showing good understanding of cellular structures.

Developing
2 Points

Presents observations with some detail and limited connections to architectural models, indicating basic understanding of cellular structures.

Beginning
1 Points

Displays minimal observations with few connections to architectural models, showing limited understanding of cellular structures.

Criterion 2

Hypotheses Formation

Evaluates the ability to form well-thought-out hypotheses regarding cell types and functions based on scientific observation.

Exemplary
4 Points

Forms insightful hypotheses supported by strong evidence relating cellular functions to architectural designs.

Proficient
3 Points

Forms logical hypotheses with reasonable evidence connecting cellular functions to architectural designs.

Developing
2 Points

Forms basic hypotheses with minimal evidence relating to cellular functions and architectural designs.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to form coherent hypotheses with insufficient evidence linking to cellular functions.

Category 2

Creative Representation

Assesses students' ability to translate cellular functions and structures into innovative architectural designs.
Criterion 1

Design Creativity and Innovation

Measures creativity in design and originality in representing cellular structures through architectural models.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional creativity and innovation, with unique and original architectural designs clearly linked to cellular functions.

Proficient
3 Points

Displays creativity and originality, with clear links between architectural designs and cellular functions.

Developing
2 Points

Shows some creativity and basic connections between architectural designs and cellular functions.

Beginning
1 Points

Lacks creativity with vague or insufficient connections to cellular functions.

Criterion 2

Accuracy and Detail in Models

Assesses the accuracy and level of detail in the architectural models constructed to represent cellular structures.

Exemplary
4 Points

Models are highly accurate and detailed, reflecting an outstanding understanding of cellular structures and functions.

Proficient
3 Points

Models are accurate and detailed, showing a solid understanding of cellular structures and functions.

Developing
2 Points

Models show basic accuracy and detail, indicating developing understanding of cellular structures.

Beginning
1 Points

Models lack accuracy and detail, showing limited understanding of cellular structures.

Category 3

Collaboration and Communication

Evaluates teamwork and communication throughout the project, focusing on group discussions and feedback exchanges.
Criterion 1

Contribution to Group Work

Assesses how effectively the student contributes to group discussions and works collaboratively to develop ideas.

Exemplary
4 Points

Displays leadership in group discussions, consistently contributes valuable ideas, and effectively collaborates with peers.

Proficient
3 Points

Actively participates in group discussions, contributes good ideas, and collaborates well with peers.

Developing
2 Points

Participates in group discussions occasionally, contributes some ideas, and collaborates with some support.

Beginning
1 Points

Rarely participates in group discussions, with limited contribution to ideas and requires support to collaborate.

Criterion 2

Presentation and Explanation

Assesses the clarity and effectiveness of presenting and explaining architectural models and associated scientific concepts.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presents models with exceptional clarity and effectiveness, demonstrating thorough understanding of scientific concepts and design rationale.

Proficient
3 Points

Presents models clearly and effectively, showing good understanding of scientific concepts and design rationale.

Developing
2 Points

Presents models with basic clarity, showing some understanding of scientific concepts and design rationale.

Beginning
1 Points

Presents models with limited clarity, showing minimal understanding of scientific concepts.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

Reflect on your experience of investigating and understanding the structures and functions of cells. What new insights did you gain, and how did it change your perception of cellular biology?

Text
Required
Question 2

On a scale from 1 to 5, how confident do you feel about explaining the relationship between cellular structures and famous architectural designs now compared to before this project?

Scale
Optional
Question 3

Which aspect of building your bio-skyscraper or architectural cell model did you find most challenging, and how did you overcome it?

Text
Required
Question 4

Select all the learning outcomes you feel you achieved during this project (choose all that apply).

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Understanding the basic structures and functions of cells
Developing skills in creating architectural models
Learning the applicability of famous structures in representing cell functions
Engaging in scientific investigations
Articulating how cells form systems within living organisms
Question 5

Did this project enhance your interest in the intersection between biology and architecture? Why or why not?

Text
Optional