Biology/Life
Sciences
Standards
•(BLS) 1.a, 1.b, 1.c, 1.d, 1.e, 1.f, and 1.g.
Agriculture
Standards
•(AG) C 5.1, C 5.2, C 5.3, and C 5.4.
•(Foundation) 1.2 Science, Specific Applications of Investigation and Experimentation: (1.a).
Name___________________
Date____________________
Cell Model Project
Purpose
The purpose of this exercise is to evaluate the cell structure of plants and animals, and create a three
dimensional model of the cell.i In your group design a model that will represent either a plant or animal
cell. This project is due on ____________________________________________.
Procedure:
Materials
1. Play dough (see recipe)
2. Cardboard base
3. Materials of your choice (No food items)
Sequence of Steps
1. For your project construct a 3-dimensional eukaryotic plant or animal cell that includes the
organelles listed in the table below. Your cell must show all of the cellular organelles listed on
the table. These organelles should be labeled. NO FOOD ITEMS MAY BE USED IN THE
CONSTRUCTION OF YOUR CELL MODEL!
2. You must include a short paper with a sketch of your model and a brief explanation of the
function of each of the cellular organelles that you constructed.
3. In the construction of your model you will create the various organelles of your cell using play
dough (recipe is attached). The type of cell you create (animal or plant) determines which
organelles you need to create.
4. Each group member must bring in the necessary colors of play dough to create your model. You
will create your model on pieces of cardboard.
Cell Membrane
Cellular Organelles
Nucleus
Nucleolus
Cell Wall (plants)
Chromatin
Rough ER
Smooth ER
Attached Ribosomes
Mitochondria
Chloroplasts (plant)
Lysosomes
Golgi Apparatus
Cytoplasm
Free Ribosomes
Centrioles (animal)
Vacuoles
Nucleolus
Nuclear Envelope
1
LAB A-2
Plant Cell
Animal Cell
2
LAB A-2
Play dough Recipe
1/4 cup salt
1 cup flour
1/4 cup water
Food coloring
Mix the flour and salt in a bowl then add water. Knead and squeeze the dough to make a clay
consistency. You may need to add more water.
i
Opfergelt, H (2008).Ag Biology Cell Model Project. Firebaugh High School Agriculture Department.
3
LAB A-2