Cell Organelles & Their Functions Interactive Simulation | Life Science | Grades 6–8

This Interactive Simulation has grades 6–8 Middle School Life Science students run a hands-on classroom model of Cell Organelles & Their Functions.

Driving question: "How do the parts of a cell interact as specialized subsystems, and how does the abundance of specific organelles reflect a cell's specialized function in a multicellular organism?" Objective: Students will develop and test a functional model of cell organelle subsystems, analyze quantitative organelle-density data across five specialized cell types, and construct an evidence-based argument connecting organelle abundance to tissue function.

What's inside: objective and background, a materials list (Organelle Subsystem Modeling Cards…; Pathway Yarn & Vesicle Token Set (for…; Transmission Electron Micrograph (TEM)…; Organelle Density Reference Chart &…), an 8-step protocol, a data table, 4 analysis questions, and teacher notes.

Resource type: Interactive Simulation (.docx). Format: editable Microsoft Word lab handout with approximately 860 words (~5 pages).

Classroom use: a team investigation in a Middle School Life Science course. Grades 6–8.

Format note: These files are delivered in Microsoft Office formats (Word and/or PowerPoint). If you open a worksheet that includes tables in Apple Pages or another non-Microsoft app, table formatting may not display correctly. For best results, use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint (or upload the file to Google Docs). If you run into any formatting issues, contact us and we can send a PDF version.