Zoinks! presents: The Cell Game

After learning a lot more about nutrients and cells in class, our teacher, Ms. Silva decided assigned to us a very creative project. We were assigned to work in Zoinks! and had to make a game, video, or whatever we chose to make and teach our audience(in this case younger students) about cells, some nutrients, diffusion, etc. 

The goal of this project was for us to review cells and for our teacher to see if we had really learned everything- in a new and creative way. 

At first I had decided to make a video, but it would be too complicated, but I was still stuck with the video idea in my head for a few days. However, I thought that a game board might be fun as well, since I love decorating and designing. So my plan was to make cards asking the question, and saying the answer. Although, I had to be more creative then just doing that, or else it would be boring...

After making sure I was going to make a game board, I started planning out and writing creative things for my game board. 

I first came up with the rules/steps of the game, then all the questions(more then 40), after I cut out all the papers to make the questions and the answers(surprisingly it took a lot of work), and afterwards I answered them. Answering them took some time as well, but I had good resources- my science book, my tests, worksheets, the internet, notes that I took in class and of course, all that I had learned with Ms. Silva and our class. 

After this, I got a "paper"(it has got some layers though so I wouldn't exactly call it paper nor cardboard paper), then I cut out some pieces of papers to make them as the steps the players would have to go in order to win the game. After doing so, I outlined what the steps would have to say, and wrote on them what would the player have to do if he/she got it right or wrong(right was in gold while wrong was in silver). 

Coming up with the name of the game wasn't very easy, even if it seems like an easy name, however I'm not very good at naming things. I came up with the name "The Cell Game"and got gold paint and painted it on top of the "paper" I cut out. 

Finally, I played it to see it everything worked out and had to check all the questions and answers to see if I hadn't made any mistakes.

Summed up, this project doesn't look like it was very hard, but it took a lot of hard work and it took me about two weeks to come up with it. 

Self-evaluation: I honestly think that I did a good job- I put a lot of thought into this project and worked hard to make it good. I also truly liked this project, it was fun and different and I hope we do something as fun as this again soon! It was a good way to review everything and to learn new things which you realized you hadn't known about before. I enjoyed it a lot and think my project turned out very good.

Youtube link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QQ3qCw09-M

A little preview of The Cell Game 

The Cell Game

Screenshot of video 

Egg Lab!

In science class we were learning all about osmosis and diffusion, and so that we could understand it better, our teacher, Ms. Silva gave us a very interesting project. The project was to be done in group of threes. Firstly, Ms. Silva took off the shell of the eggs for us, so that we could examine them in different kinds of solutions for some days. Our group could choose whichever solutions we wanted. The group assigned to me was Marina Silveira and Rodrigo Ussier. The two solutions we chose were corn syrup and distilled water. We had to put the two de-shelled eggs in each of the two cups which contained corn syrup in one of them, while on the other, distilled water. We were supposed to make observations and measure the eggs for each of the days. Some of the materials we used were: 

-2 de-shelled eggs

-2 plastic cups

-a graduated cylinder

-80 mL of corn syrup 

-80 mL of distilled water

-a ruler and a string to measure the circumference of the eggs

-weight scale to weigh the eggs 

Predictions: One of our predictions were that the egg that was in the corn syrup was going to get smaller because the concentration of water inside it was bigger then the concentration outside of the egg. On the other hand, we thought that the egg in the distilled water was going to get larger since the concentration of water is more outside then inside since it’s 100% water/H20 in the solution, therefore no other solution could be as concentrated as water, thus why the egg would get larger. We predicted that the distilled water would have less liquid as well. Adding on to that, we thought that the egg dipped in corn syrup was going to get darker and sticky because of the dark and sticky substance that was added to the egg. 

What did we do: On the first day, my team and I measured both eggs and took notes on their appearance, mass and circumference. Then, we added 80 mL of our substances to the cup the eggs were on, which in this case were corn syrup in one cup and distilled water on the other one. We let the eggs and the solutions react in a 24-hour period so that we could measure it again on the following day. 

On the second day, my team and I measured both eggs again and took annotations as how it looked and how they changed. We let the eggs and solutions react again for a 24-hour period so that we could measure on the next day.

On the third day we measured the eggs yet again and we broke them in the middle to take notes on how they looked inside and compared our results with the other groups’ results; we had to average it to make a chart and a graph. Although, the chart/graph part was individual. 

Tables and graphs of the final results: 

Observations: Some of our observations were that before putting the egg in the solution, on Day 1, the eggs were yellow and a bit translucid; it was soft, humid and opaque. The eggs were “wrinkly” and the distilled water was very transparent and “liquidy” while the corn syrup looked very dense and was very sticky. After putting our eggs in the solutions, we noticed that the eggs sank a little bit.

On Day 2, we observed that on the egg that had the corn syrup solution there were air bubbles around the egg’s surface. The egg was even more “wrinkly” and it partially sunk- it floated more then before. While the corn syrup was more “watery” and had some particles floating in it. It was more yellow then orange. Still on Day 2, we noticed that the egg in distilled water also had air bubbles around the egg’s surface and it sank more. The egg was whiter and less “wrinkly”; while the water had no substancial difference.

On Day 3, we noticed that the egg in distilled water looked like a balloon filled with water and felt heavier; while the corn syrup egg was very opaque and “wrinkly” and the corn syrup was very “liquidy” and yellow. Still on Day 3, after opening the eggs, we noticed that the egg’s(in the corn syrup) shell was very brown and the yolk was very sticky because of the corn syrup and the sugar. The yolk was crystalized and rough(though inside the yolk was soft) and yellow. When we cut in half the other egg, the one in distilled water, it popped open, flying water everywhere. The shell was white and the yolk softer then the corn syrup’s egg’s yolk. It was also very less sticky.

 Conclusion: To conclude, I want to compare some of our predictions to the final results. We predicted that the egg in corn syrup was going to get smaller- which is correct since as from the mass, it went from 72.7 g to 69.1 and the circumference went from 16 cm on Day 1 to 14.4 cm on Day 3. We were correct when we thought the corn syrup egg was going to be darker and more sticky because of the corn syrup which is water + sugar=fructose glucose. As for the distilled water, we predicted that it was going to increase in mass and in size which it did. In mass, it went from a 67.9 g on Day 1 to 77.6 g on Day 3. As for the circumference, it started off at 15.3 cm on Day 1 and ended at 16 cm on Day 3, meaning it increased in size as well.

As for the amount of solution in the cups, for the corn syrup, the amount increased, from 80 mL on Day 1, to 86.5 mL on Day 2, to 79 mL on Day 3. The amount of solution in distilled water decreased. It started off with 80 mL as well on Day 1, then 71 mL on Day 2, and 60.3 mL on Day 2. Our prediction that the distilled water would have less liquid was correct.

What happened to the eggs was that in corn syrup, which had a lot of sugar and less H20 happened one of the processes now well known in our science class. Osmosis happened because of the low concentration of the H20 in corn syrup and high concentration of H20 in the egg, for it to balance out. The egg had proteins(amino acids) and thus why diffusion happened as well.

While the egg in distilled water, had less H20 then the water itself which was 100% pure water. The concentration in the water was higher then in the egg, therefore osmosis happened and diffusion also did because of the proteins in the eggs. 

*The independent variables were the type of solution the egg was in and the dependent variable was the mass, circumference and the volume of liquid in the cup.

Osmosis/diffusion in real life: When we are thirsty, it’s because our cells have less water inside them. We need water for chemical reactions and if we don’t have enough water, chemical reactions can’t be performed. Water is essential to our body. When we do drink water, our cells have less water then the outside of the cell and osmosis happens. Osmosis is when water goes from a high to a low concentration. If there is more water on the outside of the cell, it goes to the inside, balancing it and making it equal. While diffusion, has to do only with solutes. An example is when an amino acid (since proteins are too big to pass) pass from a high to low concentration.

Possible errors: Some of the errors that could have happened in our procedure was that when we were measuring the eggs with the string, the person who did so(me in this case) could have measured at a different part of the egg; Water or corn syrup could have spilled; we could have not gotten all the water out of the cylinder after washing it to measure the following solution/could have not washed the cylinder which contained the previous solution affecting the results of the following solution; when comparing our answers with the other group’s they could have done something wrong as well or we could have done the average wrong;

As for materials, the cup could have been too small and could have squeezed the egg; the string that was used to measure the circumference of the eggs could have stretched a few more cm; the cylinder wasn’t washed well enough;

Evaluation: Overall, we had a lot of fun and I found all of this very interesting. I didn’t really understand the process of osmosis and diffusion before, although after that, I really did understand it more. My group was very helpful and I’m thankful to be put into a good group who works equally. We helped each other a lot and worked in teamwork- which is essential when participating in something like an experiment or a project. We really divided the tasks so that everyone could have something to do and so that each one would work equally. We even named our eggs: Nemayê and Bob! 


As for fixing our errors we could compare our averages or maybe work it out more then one time(I did three times though); we could have tried not to make any liquids spill; we could have tapped the cylinder so that all the water could have gone out after washing- and we could have washed it twice to make sure it’s clean;

This was an amazing experience which I learned a lot from, and hope to do more fun ones like this one in the future!

See you next time,

Débora Cunha

P.S.: 

Some of the pictures:

Egg in distilled water on Day 3

Egg in corn syrup on Day 3 

Yolk and egg shell of egg in distilled water after we cut it in half 

From left to right: Me(Débora Cunha), Marina Silveira and Rodrigo Ussier jotting down our observations of the eggs 

Shell and yolk of egg in corn syrup on Day 3- after we cut it in half 

From left to right: Me(Débora Cunha), Marina Silveira and Rodrigo Ussier after cutting our eggs in half 

Both eggs cut in half- distilled water and corn syrup 

Cell Wall Speech

One may think that I, a cell wall, am useless to a plant cell. When in reality, I’m one of the most important distinguishing features of plant cells. I’m rigid and I give plant cells a very defining shape.

While most cells have an outer membrane, none are comparable to my strength. I am composed of cellulose fiber, polysaccharides and proteins.

I also prevent enlargement of the plant cell and I play an important role in absorption, transport and secretion of substances in plants.

I am the main difference in plant and animal cells. Many animal cells have skeletons to give them body structure and support, however, plant cells don’t have that, and yet they don’t just flop over in a big mess. This is because of me. Together with the vacuole, I provide the “skeletal support”. I also help support individual parts of plants.

In addition to all of that, I provide shape to the different cell types needed to form the tissues and organs of a plant. As I earlier mentioned, I play an important role in intercellular communication. Because of my location, I am important in plant-microbe interactions, which are defense responses against pathogens(germs). In other words, I provide protection from physical injury.

Summarizing what I said, I am needed for protection, support, and for giving a plant cell a defining shape. I’m very important to a plant cell and am used for various functions. 

                                 

Prokaryotes vs. eukaryotes

If I had to choose to be an eukaryotic(plant or animal cell) or a prokaryotic cell, I would choose to be prokaryotic cell.

Prokaryotic cells are a lot less complex then eukaryotic cells.

Prokaryotic cells have no nucleus, because there is no need, since it’s a much smaller size, and it means all the materials are very close together. They do have DNA though. The central region of the cell(nucleoid) is pretty much where the DNA is located. Although, there is no physical boundary enclosing the nucleoid. The prokaryotic cell has only one circular DNA molecule, and it’s simpler because it requires less genes to operate then the eukaryotic cell.

The prokaryotic cells have very small ribosomes compared to the eukaryotes.

The prokaryotic cells have no membrane-bound organelles which are independent of the plasma membrane. It’s a significant difference, because of the complexity of the eukaryotic cell.

The prokaryotic cells can also live in water, air, soil, and most objects.

Some move by flagellum, that is a “tail” made up of proteins, and it allows it to move in its environment.

Prokaryotic cells also live longer and have the “capsule” which protects them. 

"Meals on Wheels"- Team Red

We were assigned to analyze the three menus given to us, as nutritionists, and classify them, say which ones had the most nutrients, which menu we thought was long-term and short-term, etc.

After being assigned our project, our group from the “Meals on Wheel” project had the idea to classify each day from each menu. We were going to say the nutrients that had a lot in each menu and the ones who had barely any. Although, Ms. Silva told us that we had to make it broader, so we classified the entire menus, instead of classifying each day.

We were told to make a presentation, so I was in charge of making the powerpoint presentation(I was as well in charge of helping my group classify the menus and getting all the work together) while the other three members from my group were assigned to classify the menus. Luis Esteve classified Menu 1, Beatriz Jacob classified Menu 2, while Rodrigo Ussier classified Menu 3.

We ended up realizing that Menu 1 was the short-term diet, because it wasn´t very varied, and it didn´t have as much carbohydrates, lipids and proteins one needs. Menu 2 ended up being the long-term diet because it was very healthy and had enough nutrients for a long-term diet. While Menu 3 had lots of lipids, and none carbohydrates. The carbohydrates are the “first burn”(first source of energy you use when you exercise), and the lipids are the “second burn”, therefore the lipids substituted the carbs. Menu 3 is a very unusual diet, although still one. But it isn't very healthy beause it has way too many lipids and it can clog vessels, giving one a heart attack or a stroke, etc.

I learned a lot from this science project. I learned how to classify a Menu-something I had never done before-, I learned how to classify if a diet is short-term, or long-term, etc. This project really added to my science knowledge, I now know more much more about nutrients, and I didn't even know I could learn so much in such a "broad project". 

Referring to my other skills, such as teamwork, it helped a lot, our team was very efficient and all of us worked, we communicated with each other, and divided the jobs equally. When we started this project, we weren't very organized, therefore we wasted two classes, however later, we realized that we needed to be more and made it. As for time management we were a little bit behind, but we eventually caught up, we worked very fast and very efficiently. 


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“What was the purpose of these first two days of school and what are my plans for this year?"

The purpose of these first two days of school were to meet our new teachers, new students, learn our schedule, etc. Ms. Silva introduced us to what we were going to learn this year in Integrated Science, including Biology, Chemical and Physics. I'm very excited for this school year, I think it's going to be great.

For our first science class, we were put in groups of fours and participated in the "Marshmellow Challenge". We had to use 20 sticks of spaghetti, one yard of tape, one yard string and one marshmellow and build a very tall structure, with the marshmellow on top. I think that the purpose of this activity was to make us get to know each other, because as the video Ms. Silva showed us at the end of the class said, this activity makes us interact.

On our second day of Science, we saw videos and presentations and mostly talked about people who achieved a lot of things, yet they didn't achieve it suddenly, from night to day. They took a long time to do so and the purpose of this class was to show us that we can't expect to learn something fast, we have to practice and practice and practice until we know it for sure. Everything takes practice and work and if you really like something enough to go after it, you will work night and day until you achieve it just like the people we talked about did.