Edible Model of Animal Cell
September 22, 2014
In order to learn about the organelles in a cell and the function of each structure, we built an edible animal cell model and explained the purpose of each organelle during a presentation. Building and designing a model of a cell forced me to make more sturdy connections with the cellular structure. Physically constructing a version of a cell allowed me to go more in depth about the function of each organelle and differentiate all the different parts of the cell.
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*Chromosomes contain DNA and histones proteins.
Research and Process
Prior to actually baking the brownie and adding all the ingredients to the product, my group listed all the organelles that we need to incorporate into our model and planned out materials we could use to represent each part. Since we were going to bake a sweet fudge brownie, we wanted to choose candies for the organelles. Depending on the shape of the organelle, we tried to match candies with equal size and proportions to the proper organelle.
While the brownie was cooking, our entire group collaborated in listing all the organelles and googling their functions. The majority of the features were already known, but there were a handful of structures that needed research. After each organelle had a correlating function, we divided each part equally so everyone memorized certain functions. The process was helpful because each member still learned about all the organelles through the research, but presenting wasn't as stressful because the work was split evenly. Mi-to-sis
Prior to actually baking the brownie and adding all the ingredients to the product, my group listed all the organelles that we need to incorporate into our model and planned out materials we could use to represent each part. Since we were going to bake a sweet fudge brownie, we wanted to choose candies for the organelles. Depending on the shape of the organelle, we tried to match candies with equal size and proportions to the proper organelle.
While the brownie was cooking, our entire group collaborated in listing all the organelles and googling their functions. The majority of the features were already known, but there were a handful of structures that needed research. After each organelle had a correlating function, we divided each part equally so everyone memorized certain functions. The process was helpful because each member still learned about all the organelles through the research, but presenting wasn't as stressful because the work was split evenly. Mi-to-sis
Reflection
Team work and collaboration was a major element to this project because we needed to coordinate meeting times, dates, supplies, and design. There were no major arguments between group members concerning our project design. Another successful skill we mastered was efficiency. Due to everyone's hectic schedules, we only had a couple of hours after school to actually bake and write our presentation. Luckily, we planned before hand to organize each person's role and participation. One part we struggled with was the actual baking. We were very nervous that the combination of sweets would clash in flavor or the brownies would be either under or over cooked. Surprising our entire brownie got eaten and some people came back for seconds and thirds.
Team work and collaboration was a major element to this project because we needed to coordinate meeting times, dates, supplies, and design. There were no major arguments between group members concerning our project design. Another successful skill we mastered was efficiency. Due to everyone's hectic schedules, we only had a couple of hours after school to actually bake and write our presentation. Luckily, we planned before hand to organize each person's role and participation. One part we struggled with was the actual baking. We were very nervous that the combination of sweets would clash in flavor or the brownies would be either under or over cooked. Surprising our entire brownie got eaten and some people came back for seconds and thirds.