How Can You Make a Model of a Cell?

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to make a 3D model of a cell in order to better understand the parts and workings of a cell.

cell model


Designing a cell model using household objects can be a creative and engaging way for students to understand the structure and components of a cell. Here's a step-by-step guide they can follow:

1. Gather Materials:

Gather all the household objects and materials you'll need. These objects will represent the different organelles and structures within the cell.

2. Identify Cell Parts:

Review the different parts of a cell (organelles like nucleus, mitochondria, cytoplasm, cell membrane, etc.). Assign specific household objects to represent each part based on their shape or function.

3. Prepare the Base:

The base can be cardboard (like a shoebox) or a styrofoam ball cut in half. You can be creative if you think other bases could work.

4. Labeling and Coloring:

Use paint, markers, or colored paper to paint or label the different parts of the cell. You could also attach a "key" that identifies each part.

Grading Rubric

Cell Project Rubric
Category Scoring Criteria Excellent
(3 pts)
Satisfactory
(2 pts)
Minimal
(1 pt)
Craftsmanship Model is creative, shows effort      
  The model is 3 dimensional      
  Model stays together, not too messy or difficult to move around      
Cell Parts Key, legend, or labeling is easy to use to identify parts on the model      
  Functions of cell parts included (accurate) - at least 5 inlcuded in model      
  Appropriate material is used so that it looks like the cell part it is modeling      
  Parts of organized within the cell in their appropriate places      
Written Word Basic grammar, spelling on key and any other writing used in model      

Samples:

cell model   cell model