Cell Models

Cells have functional parts that are responsible for carrying out all the processes of life within the cell. To help us understand how these "organelles" relate to one another in three dimensions, students made models of the cells and their organelles. All of the cell models used zip-top sandwich bags to represent the cell membrane. Other organelles were represented by all sorts of differnt things. In one model, the cell nucleus was represented by a meat ball, another used half of a plum to show this organelle. Cytoplasm was represented by all substances including corn syrup, shampoo, and the insides from an ice pack.

Students said they liked this activity because it was creative. Some said that it was a way to "teach" family members about the parts of a cell. More than a few reported that the really fun part of this project was that it was "messy."

Cells

We're studying cells; their structure and the various functions of all their organelles.

So far, we've learned the major differences between plant and animal cells. We've done some reading and students have some "coloring sheets" that should help them to learn the names of the different organelles in each type of cell.

Just in case, as they try to do that coloring, they need some pictures to go by, here are a couple of pretty good ones. There are plenty more on-line. A simple search will find lots of examples.