Now this is the topic in cells that I really like to teach and see kids have organelle functions click. See, we have students memorize, memorize, memorize but they never get the big pictures.
The unit before this is all about biomolecules, we talk about proteins. We discuss what they are and why they are important. We aren't ready for protein synthesis in details, but students can absolutely figure out how they are created, passed around, and ultimately exported out of the cell for use. That really ties all of the organelles together and it isn't just about memorizing a random function with no context.
This activity absolutely can be done with zero background knowledge or you can use it after a cells introduction. Depending on time, I have done it both ways.
There it is. I don't have an instruction sheet for students to look at, I simply give the directions as the timing sees fit.
First, I print off 5 sets of notecards. Each set contains a notecard with the organelle and set #. Ex. Nucleus- 1, Rough ER-1 or Nucleus -2 , Rough ER-2. I usually have 5 groups, because I have around 30 kids in each class. You can change this to work for your # of kids. If I don't have the exact right number, then I sometimes will pair up kids or double up an organelle.
I randomly pass out a card to each student and then have them group together based on their organelle name, not the #. In that group they research the structure of the organelle and draw it. I tell them to pay attention to the membrane that surrounds the organelle and collect information about it. Then they write a short description of how that organelle plays a role in creating, transporting, packaging, or exporting proteins. The organelles may have other functions, but they have to focus on it's role with proteins. (10 minutes)
Next, I have students gather in groups by their #. This creates group with all the parts of the endomembrane system. Here they will work together to see if they can arrive at a sequential order to producing, transporting, and exporting proteins. I simply have them create a line-up of the cards that they think make the most sense. It is so important to walk around and ask questions, have them discuss, and re-order where it makes sense. What I am looking for is:
Nucleus/Nuclear Membrane (ribosomes and mRNA move out through nuclear pores into the cytoplasm/rough ER) --> Rough ER (contains ribosomes where proteins are produced and then ER folds/adjusts proteins) ---> transport vesicles (transport proteins to the golgi apparatus) ---> golgi apparatus (modifies proteins for secretion ) --- transport vesicles (transport to plasma membrane OR become a lysosome) --> lysosome or plasma membrane can come next (lysosome, if vesicle contains enzymes used for digestion then they are called lysosomes or plasma membrane , exocytosis transports proteins needed in the membrane or use outside of the cell).
There are obviously not perfect answers to this...endomembrane system doesn't work in a linear fashion, per se. It is however, easy for students to see how they work together when they model it in this way. After they are done arranging their cards, they have a pretty good idea of the steps, I have them draw it in their notebook as a cell and add arrows and short descriptions. It might look something like this. You could also give them a blank endomembrane diagram to use and take notes.
I have also had my kids (during Covid school) do this activity via a google slides. I didn't like it as much, because it wasn't as active for kids, but it works the same from a content standpoint. Here's the google slides presentation https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/14L4w7r52NGhkCtncBM62jOOByMRoLy57ztOX-3_4DrY/edit?usp=sharing.
I like to use this video to wrap up the lesson or as a review the next day. Hope you found some useful tips. Leave a comment or question below.
Happy teaching!
Mrs. Townsend