Creating a model animal cell can be an exciting and informative project. Using recycled materials is one way to turn trash in to a great project while encouraging students to use their imaginations. Using unusual materials to represent the parts of an animal cell adds a unique perspective to each project.
At some point, you'll probably study plant cells too. One of the key differences between an animal cell model and a plant cell model is the presence of a rigid cell wall that surrounds the membrane of a plant cell. This structure is absent in an animal cell.
- Reference materials
- Cardboard
- Plastic wrap
- Various plastic bowls
- Plastic grocery bags
- Straws
- Bottle tops
- Old gift wrap
- Bubble wrap
- Packaging peanuts
- Ribbon or shoelaces in different lengths and colors
- Markers
- Colored paper or felt
- Various other recyclable items
The items listed for this project are examples. You do not have to use every item and you should use other things you find around your house or apartment to make your project unique.
Study a science text book or similar reference materials to learn about cell structure and function. If this is a school project, list every part that must be included as you study. Elementary teachers will often not require as many cell parts to be included as middle or high school teachers.
Create the basic shape of the cell using cardboard or another type of sturdy material. Cardboard is an excellent choice for this because it maintains its shape and can support the other materials as they are added. Covering the cardboard with plastic is one way of representing the cell membrane or the cytoplasm. Plastic bags can also be scrunched up and glued along the edges of the cardboard to represent the cell membrane.
Tips
Choose an item that will represent the nucleus of the cell. It should be round, like a bowl or cup, and should be the largest organelle (or cell part) in your model. Secure this item in the middle of the cell.
Select other items to represent the different organelles and parts within your cell. Small straws could be glued together to represent the cytoskeleton. Bottle lids make excellent vacuoles and several packaging peanuts glued together look a lot like the Golgi Complex. Bubble wrap can be placed in different parts of the cell to represent mitochondria.
Use paper or felt to make labels for each part of the cell and glue these in place. It's also a good idea to include a short description of what each cell part does.
Things You'll Need
Tips
References
Tips
- The items listed for this project are examples. You do not have to use every item and you should use other things you find around your house or apartment to make your project unique.
About the Author
Kendra Young has been a professional educator and science curriculum writer since 2005. She also works as a faculty advisor and content reviewer for the National Science Teacher’s Association. Young holds a Master of Education in instructional design, and is completing a Master of Science in geology.
Photo Credits
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