Activity Name: Modeling a Plant Cell
Author: Dawn Tamarkin, cell biology professor, Springfield Technical
Community College.
Target Subject: Biology
Purpose: to create an accurate representation of the shape and
characteristics of plant cells
Background information: Cells are not visible in daily life. In fact,
even seeing cells through microscope only provides the student with
a view of only a few of the parts of a plant or animal cell. UDL stands
for Universal Design for Learning. The cell models provide both
tactile and kinesthetic feedback for students learning the structure of
the cell. The bright colors and good contract also work well for
students with low vision.
Preparation: Prior to doing this activity, students read articles about
the parts of a cell, learn the parts of a microscope, and practice
preparing slides of plant cells. Prepared slides may also be used.
Student will also benefit from examining 3D models of cells, and large
print and tactile drawings of cells with parts labeled.
Students with useful vision may be able to look at the image of the
cells on the monitor or television screen. Then students will use the
parts of the cell kit to create a model of what they observed. For the
student whose lack of vision makes viewing the cell impossible, the
teacher, assistant, or lab partner can construct the tactile model
replicating the image on the screen. The student then examines the
model tactually. Alternately, the student who has examined raised
line drawings of cells can create a model using the kit. Then the lab
partner can reshape the model to resemble the one being viewed.
For more information about the UDL Cell Model Kit visit
http://www.cellzone.org
Materials:
UDL Cell Model Kit:
Cell walls, cell membrane, central vacuole, and chloroplasts
Microscope
Prepared slides
Ken-a-Vision ™ or other camera that attaches to microscope
Computer monitor or television
Procedure:
1. View plant cells, then create model.
2. Use the thick blue tube to represent the cell wall. Shape the cell
wall to look like the viewed image.
3. Use the thinner long yellow tube to represent the cell membrane.
Line the cell wall with the membrane.
4. Use the other thin yellow tube creates the central vacuole of the
plant cell. The membrane of the central vacuole is not visible;
however, the space occupied by the central vacuole is lacking
chloroplasts so its location can be inferred.
5. The nucleus is not shown because it is not visible using a typical
classroom microscope, unless stain or contrast is added.
6. Place the chloroplasts inside the cell membrane and outside the
central vacuole.
7. Compare the shape of the cell and arrangement of the cell parts to
other students' models. Note the differences and similarities.
Resources:
UDL Cell Model Guidebook, Springfield Technical Community
College, 2010. Funded by a grant form the National Science
Foundation (NSF)
About Dawn Tamarkin
Dr. Dawn Tamarkin is a professor of cell biology at Springfield
Technical Community College in Springfield, Massachusetts. Dr.
Tamarkin developed the universally designed cell model with grant
funding from the National Science Foundation.