When the students learn about animal cells, the cell organelles usually get all the attention. The students memorize the mantra that mitochondria are “the powerhouses of the cell,” the nucleus is the cell’s control center through DNA. Other organelles get mentioned, but their functions and names are not as easily remembered as the mitochondria or DNA. Commonly, students make Jell-O molds of the cell, complete with different candies to represent these organelles, which is a fun follow-up for upper elementary. However, the cell membrane is one part of the cell that does not get mentioned enough (if at all), but its function is absolutely vital. Like skin, the cell membrane is the only thing that separates the cell’s inner workings from the outside world (even if the outside world is part of the whole organism).

Besides acting as a shield for the cell, the membrane actively transports nutrients and waste out. These transporters along the cell membrane actively move things across the double phospholipid bilayer. Some act like valves, only letting some things move one way. The cell membrane is more dynamic than just a barrier; it is also a gatekeeper and waste removal system.

In this game, the students will act as cell membranes keeping things out, letting nutrients in, and clearing waste. Can your student’s membrane stay intact and protect the cell from invading particles and organisms?

Materials: 

·      A large play area (a gym works best, but the game can be played outside if there is a fence or something to contain lots of flying balls)

·      As many tennis rackets as you have (hopefully at least one racket per two students)

·      At least two substantial yoga balls

·      As many tennis balls as you have (fifty or more)

·      As many basketballs or some type of bouncy balls as you have yoga balls

·      Basketballs hoops or large containers to shoot the basketballs or bouncy balls

·      Lots of cones or polydisc dots to mark the division line of the game

Minimum Number of Players Needed: This game needs at least eight players but is more fun with an entire class.

Age: Upper elementary and middle school