3-D Cells

Summary

Students will create a 3 dimensional model of a cell and then cut it in two to make a 2 dimensional view.

Materials

These will vary depending on the number of cell parts you wish students to find. The core curriculum expects students to know nucleus, cytoplasm and cell membrane for animals cells and the same parts plus chloroplasts and a cell wall for plant cells.

• cytoplasm -- yellow playdough
• ER -- red string licorice
• mitochondria -- red play dough
• ribosomes -- pepper
• vacuole -- jelly beans chromosomes -- glitter
• chloroplasts -- green play dough
• cell wall -- aluminum foil
• nucleus -- play dough
• cell membrane -- plastic wrap or thin sheets of modeling clay
• unlined drawing paper
• student worksheet
• sharp knife for teacher (NOTE: Have a sharp knife on hand, but only you may use it to cut through cell models.)

Background for Teachers

Cells are usually depicted in 2-Dimensional drawings; however, this model accurately represents its 3-Dimensional nature. As the students cut their cells in half, they may miss some parts which would be expected if a real cell was cut in half. Under the microscope, cell parts are occasionally missing or blocked by other cells.

Instructional Procedures

1. Gather materials: make sure you have different colors of play dough or soft candies for each organelle. You may assign students to provide some of the materials.
2. Read through student procedures with class members. Write on the board what materials you have for the students to work with. Provide a place for completed cells to be displayed. Place students in small groups (3-6 students in each group) and allow time for task

Assessment Plan

Scoring Rubric:

Individual participation grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Neatness, accuracy of model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Drawings of cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Questions correctly answered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Bibliography

Lesson Design by Jordan School District Teachers and Staff.