Activity Overview
Labeling a cell and it's functions is a great way for students to understand the things are different and similar about specialized cells. In this activity, students will create a poster labeling one type of specialized cell. For a larger-scale project, students can complete this activity for more than one type of cell or each student can create a poster for a different type of cell, so that the class has one for each at the end!
Students will need to include the function and adaptation of the cell, as well as a labeled diagram and any other pertinent information at the discretion of the teacher.
| Name | Function / Adaptations |
|---|---|
| Fat Cell | Fat cells store energy as fat droplets in our bodies. As well as storing energy, fat cells insulate us to keep us warm. The cells have large fat reservoirs for storing energy. They also have the ability to expand as they fill their fat reservoir. |
| Ciliated Epithelial Cell | The function of these cells is to protect areas of the body from damage. The cilia (hairs) on top of the cells sweep dust and mucus. They are found in the trachea, for example, and protect the lungs from damage. They are adapted by having cilia which are found on the top of the cell. These cilia also move with a sweeping motion to move mucus and dirt. |
| Nerve Cell | The function of these cells is to carry electrical nerve impulses around the body. They are adapted for this function by having an elongated shape, like a wire. They also have a myelin sheath with insulates the axon, like plastic insulation on wires. At each end, there are many connections to connect to other cells easily. |
| Root Hair Cell | Root hair cells are found in the roots of plants. Their function is to absorb water and minerals from the soil. The long finger-like hair increases the surface area. They contain no chloroplasts and have thin cell walls which makes absorption easier. |
| Red Blood Cell | Red blood cells are made to carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body, and carbon dioxide back to the lungs. They have a biconcave shape which maximizes surface area. They contain hemoglobin, which is essential for the transport of gases. They have no nucleus to increase the amount of hemoglobin inside the cell. They are small and flexible, allowing them to fit through small blood vessels more easily. |
| Muscle Cell | Smooth muscle cells make up many of our internal organs, providing involuntary movement by contracting and relaxing. They have a spindle shape that allows for close contact with other cells. They have the ability to contract, causing movement in smooth muscle tissue. |
| Egg Cell | The function of the egg cell is to carry the mother’s DNA. They are produced in the ovaries and are essential for reproduction. They have a special cell membrane that only allows one sperm cell to fertilize them. Egg cells are very large compared to other cells in the body. They have a haploid nucleus, containing half the amount of genetic material as other body cells have. |
| Sperm Cell | The function of the sperm cell is to carry the father’s DNA. They are produced in the testes and are essential for reproduction. They are small, allowing them to move easily. They have a haploid nucleus, containing half the amount of genetic material as other body cells have. They have a streamlined shape to help them move easier. The front of the cell contains an acrosome that allows the cell the break through the cell membrane of the cell. Their midpiece contains lots of mitochondria, where respiration occurs. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a labeled poster for a specialized cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a specialized cell and write the name of it in the title of the cell.
- Find a diagram of the specialized cell in the Science category under Anatomy, or search "cell".
- Label the different parts of the cells, including the adaptations.
- Describe the functions and adaptations of the cell in the description box.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 17 Points | Emerging 9 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labeled diagram | All the parts have been identified. | Most of the parts have been identified. | Some of the parts have been identified. |
| Description of Parts and Adaptations | All the parts and adaptations have clear descriptions which contain good scientific vocabulary. | Most of the parts and adaptations have clear descriptions. | Some of the parts and adaptations have clear descriptions. |
| Location | The location of every cell is correct. | The location of most of the cells are correct. | The location of some of the cells are correct. |
| Description of Function | The function is clearly and correctly described for every cell | The function is clearly and correctly described for most cells. | The function is clearly and correctly described for some cells. |
| Visualizations | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate the location and function. | The storyboard cells relate to the location and function, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cells do not clearly relate to the location and function. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
Labeling a cell and it's functions is a great way for students to understand the things are different and similar about specialized cells. In this activity, students will create a poster labeling one type of specialized cell. For a larger-scale project, students can complete this activity for more than one type of cell or each student can create a poster for a different type of cell, so that the class has one for each at the end!
Students will need to include the function and adaptation of the cell, as well as a labeled diagram and any other pertinent information at the discretion of the teacher.
| Name | Function / Adaptations |
|---|---|
| Fat Cell | Fat cells store energy as fat droplets in our bodies. As well as storing energy, fat cells insulate us to keep us warm. The cells have large fat reservoirs for storing energy. They also have the ability to expand as they fill their fat reservoir. |
| Ciliated Epithelial Cell | The function of these cells is to protect areas of the body from damage. The cilia (hairs) on top of the cells sweep dust and mucus. They are found in the trachea, for example, and protect the lungs from damage. They are adapted by having cilia which are found on the top of the cell. These cilia also move with a sweeping motion to move mucus and dirt. |
| Nerve Cell | The function of these cells is to carry electrical nerve impulses around the body. They are adapted for this function by having an elongated shape, like a wire. They also have a myelin sheath with insulates the axon, like plastic insulation on wires. At each end, there are many connections to connect to other cells easily. |
| Root Hair Cell | Root hair cells are found in the roots of plants. Their function is to absorb water and minerals from the soil. The long finger-like hair increases the surface area. They contain no chloroplasts and have thin cell walls which makes absorption easier. |
| Red Blood Cell | Red blood cells are made to carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body, and carbon dioxide back to the lungs. They have a biconcave shape which maximizes surface area. They contain hemoglobin, which is essential for the transport of gases. They have no nucleus to increase the amount of hemoglobin inside the cell. They are small and flexible, allowing them to fit through small blood vessels more easily. |
| Muscle Cell | Smooth muscle cells make up many of our internal organs, providing involuntary movement by contracting and relaxing. They have a spindle shape that allows for close contact with other cells. They have the ability to contract, causing movement in smooth muscle tissue. |
| Egg Cell | The function of the egg cell is to carry the mother’s DNA. They are produced in the ovaries and are essential for reproduction. They have a special cell membrane that only allows one sperm cell to fertilize them. Egg cells are very large compared to other cells in the body. They have a haploid nucleus, containing half the amount of genetic material as other body cells have. |
| Sperm Cell | The function of the sperm cell is to carry the father’s DNA. They are produced in the testes and are essential for reproduction. They are small, allowing them to move easily. They have a haploid nucleus, containing half the amount of genetic material as other body cells have. They have a streamlined shape to help them move easier. The front of the cell contains an acrosome that allows the cell the break through the cell membrane of the cell. Their midpiece contains lots of mitochondria, where respiration occurs. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a labeled poster for a specialized cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a specialized cell and write the name of it in the title of the cell.
- Find a diagram of the specialized cell in the Science category under Anatomy, or search "cell".
- Label the different parts of the cells, including the adaptations.
- Describe the functions and adaptations of the cell in the description box.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 17 Points | Emerging 9 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labeled diagram | All the parts have been identified. | Most of the parts have been identified. | Some of the parts have been identified. |
| Description of Parts and Adaptations | All the parts and adaptations have clear descriptions which contain good scientific vocabulary. | Most of the parts and adaptations have clear descriptions. | Some of the parts and adaptations have clear descriptions. |
| Location | The location of every cell is correct. | The location of most of the cells are correct. | The location of some of the cells are correct. |
| Description of Function | The function is clearly and correctly described for every cell | The function is clearly and correctly described for most cells. | The function is clearly and correctly described for some cells. |
| Visualizations | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate the location and function. | The storyboard cells relate to the location and function, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cells do not clearly relate to the location and function. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Types of Specialized Cells
Organize a classroom gallery walk for specialized cell posters
Encourage students to display their specialized cell posters around the classroom. Invite students to walk around and review each other’s work, noting unique adaptations and functions. This interactive approach promotes peer learning and helps students compare different cell types in a fun, engaging way.
Assign peer review partners for constructive feedback
Pair students up and have them review each other's posters. Ask each student to provide specific feedback on accuracy, creativity, and clarity. This activity builds critical thinking and helps students learn from each other’s approaches to labeling and describing cell functions.
Facilitate a class discussion on cell adaptations
Lead a group conversation where students share what makes each specialized cell unique. Prompt them to explain how adaptations help cells perform their functions. This fosters deeper understanding and encourages students to use scientific vocabulary in context.
Integrate digital tools for interactive cell labeling
Introduce online diagramming tools or educational apps that allow students to digitally label and annotate specialized cells. This can make the activity more engaging for tech-savvy learners and provide new ways to visualize cell structures.
Connect cell adaptations to real-life applications
Challenge students to think of real-world examples where specialized cells play a vital role, such as in health or technology. Have them present findings to the class, enhancing their ability to relate abstract concepts to everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Types of Specialized Cells
What are specialized cells and why are they important?
Specialized cells are cells that have unique structures and functions tailored to specific roles in the body. They are important because they allow multicellular organisms to perform complex tasks, such as transporting oxygen, sending nerve signals, and absorbing nutrients efficiently.
How can students create an effective poster for a specialized cell?
To create an effective poster, students should choose a specialized cell, label its parts and adaptations, include a clear diagram, and describe the cell's function. Adding interesting facts or examples helps make the poster engaging and informative.
What are examples of specialized cells students can study?
Examples of specialized cells include fat cells, ciliated epithelial cells, nerve cells, root hair cells, red blood cells, muscle cells, egg cells, and sperm cells. Each has unique functions and adaptations to perform specific tasks.
What adaptations help red blood cells carry oxygen?
Red blood cells have a biconcave shape for maximum surface area, contain hemoglobin to bind oxygen, lack a nucleus to hold more hemoglobin, and are flexible to fit through small blood vessels.
How do you explain the difference between animal and plant specialized cells to students?
Animal specialized cells (like nerve or red blood cells) perform tasks like transporting oxygen or sending signals, while plant specialized cells (like root hair cells) are adapted for functions such as absorbing water and minerals. Each type has unique structures for its role.
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