Cellular models transform the microscopic unseen into everyday reality. These cells represent plants or animals—not the telephone variety!

• 1.

  Cells come in almost any shape—disks, cubes, boxes, chopsticks, pea pods, globs, blobs, and splats! Find a detailed illustration of a plant or animal cell that interests you. Learn the names and functions of each part. Here is one way to make a 3-D replica of the cell to demonstrate what you learned.

• 2.

  Mold a handful of Crayola Model Magic® compound into your cell’s shape. With your fingers, sculpt the cell walls, nucleus (the cell’s control center), and other features. Use different colors of compound so each part shows up well.

• 3.

  Add Crayola School Glue to represent the cell’s cytoplasm (matter between the cell membrane and the nuclear envelope). Air-dry your model at least 24 hours.

• 4.

  Glue construction paper to recycled cardboard. Glue your model in the center. Cut paper strips. Glue one end to each part and the other end to the base. Write the names of each part on the base.

Standards

• LA: Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
• LA: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
• LA: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
• LA: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade level topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
• SCI: Ask questions about the natural and human-built worlds.
• SCI: Construct drawings or diagrams as representations of events or systems.
• VA: Intentionally take advantage of the qualities and characteristics of art media, techniques, and processes to enhance communication of experiences and ideas.
• VA: Select and use the qualities of structures and functions of art to improve communication of ideas.

Adaptations

• Working in small groups, students investigate the make-up of animal and plant cells. Students diagram each cell, labeling significant parts of the cells, and coloring the diagram using Crayola Colored Pencils. Students identify the role of each of the parts of both cells.
• Students create a chart comparing and contrasting animal and plant cells. Provide an area in the classroom to display student work.