Does the teaching of protein synthesis need to be teacher centered and student passive?
The process of protein synthesis involves the interaction of several different cell organelles. These organelles are arranged spatially in the cell in such a way that information originating in a centrally located nucleus leads to a cascade of events in the other organelle series. This process culminates in the production of specific proteins. Traditionally cell organelle identification and functions are taught using a lecture format that is supplemented with required reading and an occasional lab. My approach begins with two activities designed to familiarize students with cell structures and functions. The first called “Cell Boxes” asks each student to construct a three dimentional model of either a plant or animal cell using a small cardboard box. A list of required organelles is provided along with an evaluation rubric. Each student must research organelle shapes, functions, and placement in a real cell before they construct their model. The second activity called “Cell Cities” ask
