Name:
Class:
CELL PROJECT
Cells are made of an intricate system of parts that work together to perform a variety of essential functions
and they enable body systems to operate correctly. To illustrate the complexity of a cell's parts, create a
three dimensional model, of a plant or animal cell, that enlarges the microscopic components of a cell. Both
plant cells and animal cells can be transformed into interactive or demonstrative models that identify and
explain cell parts.
Cell Model
Purpose: To show Mrs. Marley what you have learned about cells in a creative and
scientific way.
Method: Make a model of a plant or animal cell with all the organelles.
Assigned: Monday, September 22, 2014
Due Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Directions: Choose one of the three projects listed below OR come up with a creative cell
project of your own (please get Mrs. Marley's approval for your proposed project by Friday,
September 26, 2014. No matter which option you chose, you must attach the Cell
Description and Function Key (see page 4) to describe each organelle and explain its
function.
(1) Plastic Bag Cells

Use plastic bags to create three dimensional interactive cell models. Choose a
medium bag that has a secure zipping closure. The bag itself represents the cell
membrane or, in the case of a plant cell, the cell wall. Select a variety of objects to
represent the cell parts: rubber balls, elastics, string and gummy candies can be
used to represent the cell nucleus, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes,
mitochondria, etc.
Fill the bag with a thick transparent liquid like vegetable oil, baby oil or corn syrup–
the liquid represents the cell's cytoplasm. Seal the bag and then place the cell model
into an additional plastic bag for extra protection. Fill in the attached key (page
4) to explain the description and function of each organelle. For example,
Organelle: nucleus Description: Little blue bouncy ball. Function: The "brain" of
the cell. Stores DNA (genetic information).
1
(2) Gelatin Cells
Gelatin can be used to create a versatile and edible cell model. Clear gelatin
prepared in a clear glass bowl serves as a basic model; a flavored gelatin like lemon
or lime creates a more colorful model that still offers some visibility. Before the
gelatin sets completely, drop objects into the gelatin to represent the relevant cell
parts like the nucleus, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria etc. To keep
the mold fully edible, choose various kinds of candies and gummy treats to represent
cell parts. Once the mold is complete, either leave it in the glass bowl or turn it
upside down onto a large plate. Use toothpicks and sticker labels to create flags
which identify each cell model part. Fill in the attached key (page 4) to explain
the description and function of each organelle. For example, Organelle: nucleus
Description: Pink jawbreaker. Function: The "brain" of the cell. Stores DNA
(genetic information).
(3) Styrofoam Cells
Styrofoam craft balls (animal cell) or Styrofoam rectangles (plant cell) are an ideal
material for making three dimensional cell models because they come in a variety of
sizes and can be easily carved and painted. Choose a large styrofoam ball or
rectangle, at least 10 inches in diameter, to serve as the basic cell structure. Halve
the large ball and secure a smaller ball painted in a different color into the center
of one flat side to represent the cell nucleus. Carved and painted pieces of scrap
styrofoam represent each cell part; secure them to the model with tooth picks and
label them with markers or stickers. Additional craft mediums such as yarn, buttons,
gems and pipe cleaners can also be used in a styrofoam model. Fill in the attached
key (page 4) to explain the description and function of each organelle. For
example, Organelle: ribosomes Description: Small blue buttons. Function:
Produce proteins.
2

If the model is an ANIMAL
CELL it must contain the
following organelles:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

cell membrane
nucleus
vacuoles
mitochondria
lysosome
endoplasmic reticulum
ribosomes
cytoplasm
Golgi apparatus
If the model is a PLANT
CELL it must contain the
following organelles:
1. cell membrane
2. nucleus
3. vacuole
4. mitochondria
5. chloroplast
6. endoplasmic reticulum
7. ribosomes
8. cytoplasm
9. cell wall
10. Golgi apparatus
3
Name:
Class:
Cell Description and Function Key
Organelle
1. Cell Wall
Description
2. Cell membrane
3. Nucleus
4. Ribosomes
5. Lysosomes
6. Vacuole(s)
7. Mitochondria
8. Chloroplasts
9. Endoplasmic
reticulum
10. Cytoplasm
11. Golgi Apparatus
Please turn in this paper with your project.
4
Function
Name: ___________________________________ Class: _________ Date: _______
Cell Rubric
Features
Unacceptable
1
Developing
2
Well Done
3
Exceeds
4
Construction
Cell lacks
structural
design. Many
organelles are
missing.
Cell has a fair
design. Some
organelles are
missing.
Cell has a good
design. All
organelles are
present.
Appearance
This project
appears to have
put together
with little or no
care.
More care could
have been taken
in preparing this
project.
It is apparent
that care and
time was used in
preparing this
project.
Descriptions
5 or less
organelles are
described on the
“Cell Description
and Function
Key” from page
4.
For 5 or less
organelles the
student can
demonstrate
knowledge and
understanding of
the functions on
the “Cell
Description and
Function Key” on
page 4.
6 organelles are
described on
the “Cell
Description and
Function Key”
from page 4.
7 to 8 organelles
are described on
the “Cell
Description and
Function Key”
from page 4.
For 6 organelles
the student can
demonstrate
knowledge and
understanding of
the functions on
the “Cell
Description and
Function Key” on
page 4.
For 7 to 8
organelles the
student can
demonstrate
knowledge and
understanding of
the functions on
the “Cell
Description and
Function Key” on
page 4.
Functions
Cell is outstanding in
design. It is evident
that the design was
thoroughly planned.
The cell demonstrates
outstanding efforts to
match the structure
of each organelle.
It is apparent that
great care and a
substantial amount of
time was utilized in
preparing this project.
All organelles are
described on the “Cell
Description and
Function Key” from
page 4. Nothing is
left out of the
project.
Demonstrates
excellent knowledge
and understanding of
the functions each
organelle possesses on
the “Cell Description
and Function Key”
from page 4. Also,
demonstrates the
relationship between
organelle structure
and function.
Points earned_________
+16
+15
+14
+13
+12
= A+
=A
= A= B+
=B
+11 = B+10 = C+
+9 = C
+8 = C+7 = D+
+6 = D
Exceeds = 16
Meets = 11
Does not Meet=7
5
Score
Photo Gallery of Past Projects
6
7
8