AP Biology students learn about cell structure while campaigning for the Most Important Organelle

Let the Organelle Games begin!

Students in Karen Truesdell’s AP Biology Class were on point when arguing why their assigned cell organelle was “The Most Important Organelle” in the cell and the organism.

Some created catchy slogans for their campaign such as “Remember to vote Chloroplast because they make life last,” or “[Lysosomes] we digest the best and remove the rest,” or “[Nucleus] we are all about you before us,” or “[Ribosomes], we make the most beautiful human a human can be.”

With much vigor and knowledge of their organelle, students campaigned in front of their class and sought to convince their peers that they were the most important element in a cell. Posters championing the greatness of their specific organelles hung from the ceiling and the walls as students stated their case in Ms. Truesdell’s classroom.

After the last speech concluded, each organelle student group had two votes, one for their organelle and one for another of their choosing.

“I’m hoping they get a little more in-depth understanding of the parts of the cell and that they’re showing courage in different ways to write about those details and articulate them in public speaking,” said Ms. Truesdell. “This was really well done, and this is the first year we’ve done this.”

“The students’ wit, critical thinking and oratory skills made the learning experience delightful to observe,” and Superintendent Jordan went on to say, ”this is a fantastic example of what students can do when they become co-designers of their learning.”