How to Create 3D Plant Cell and

Animal Cell Models for Science

Class
FRANCHESCA W • FEB 26, 2020

Welcome to Owlcation

I'm a former middle school science teacher who

has made and graded hundreds of plant and
animal cell models over the years.

A step-by-step tutorial for creating 3D plant and

animal cell models.

Learn About Cells the Fun and Easy

Way!

You don't need to be an award-winning painter,

baker, or sculptor to create an awesome 3D cell
model for science class—and have FUN while
doing it!

In this step-by-step guide, you'll find a

complete list of plant and animal cell
organelles, suggestions for edible and non-
edible project materials, how-to videos, and
photos of cell models to inspire you.

Whether you're building this model for science

class, a science fair, or a homeschool project,
your 3D cell model is sure to impress.

Let's get started!

Short on time? Here's everything you

need to create an A+ cell model in one
place.

Plant & Animal Cell Model Supplies and

Resources
I've put together an Amazon Idea List that
has everything you need to build any type
of cell model -- all in one place! Most items
are under $10 but you can save even more
money by splitting the cost of supplies
with a friend or classmate.

CAD MicroSolutions Inc.

Open
Get Your Customized Quote

Short on time? My Amazon Idea List has everything

you need to create a cell model for science class.
Click SOURCE or the link above to view my list!
Plant & Animal Cell Model Supplies and Resources

Step 1: Choose Plant Cell vs. Animal

Cell

First and foremost, you need to decide

whether you will create a plant cell or animal
cell.

Plant cells and animal cells are shaped

differently and contain different parts.

The best way to decide? Take a look at some

cell diagrams on an interactive site like
CellsAlive.com. This site offers awesome
animations of both plant and animal cells with
descriptions of each organelle.

How to Make a Styrofoam Plant Cell

Model

Simple and Easy way to mak…

Step 2: Choose Edible vs. Non-Edible

Model

Next, you should decide whether you want your

cell model to be edible or not.

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Edible cell models can be eaten (yum!)

and are often made with cake, large
cookies, Rice Krispie Treats, Jell-O, berries,
or candies (e.g., M&Ms, gummy worms,
jelly beans, etc.).

Non-edible cell models cannot be eaten

and are often made with everyday craft
supplies like styrofoam, pipe cleaners,
shower gel, string, Play-Doh, or modeling
clay.

There are pros and cons to each type of

project. Consider how much money you want to
spend, which supplies you already have in your
home, your teacher's requirements, and the
length of time your project will be on display
(edible items may eventually rot, smell, or
attract bugs). Also, consider your plans for after
the school project or science fair is over. Do you
hope to save the cell model in the basement or
garage with other treasured mementos? Weigh
your options carefully and choose your project
accordingly.

Tip: If you are building your 3D model for

school, check with your teacher to make sure an
edible cell model is ok before you take the time
to make it!

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Read More From Owlcation

Structure of a Plant
Cell: A Visual Guide

Plant Cells Vs. Animal

Cells (With Diagrams)

Adam Was Not the

First Human, for the
Bible Tells Us So

Decide whether your cell model will be edible or

not.

Step 3: Consider the Parts of the Cell

Now you need to make a list of all the parts, or

organelles, that need to be included in your 3D
cell model.

Organelles are the "mini organs" that are

found inside every plant and animal cell.

Each organelle has a different function and

physical appearance, and together they work
to keep the cell alive.

While plant and animal cells share many of the

same organelles, including the nucleus, Golgi
apparatus, and mitochondria, there are a few
key differences. Check out the chart below to
see which organelles are found where.

Parts of the Animal Cell vs. Plant Cell

Animal Plant
Cell Part
Cell Cell

Cell Membrane ✓ ✓

Cytoplasm ✓ ✓

Nucleus ✓ ✓

Golgi Apparatus ✓ ✓

Mitochondria ✓ ✓

Endoplasmic ✓ ✓
Reticulum

Ribosomes ✓ ✓

Vacuoles ✓ --

Central Vacuole -- ✓

Lysosomes ✓ ✓

Cell Wall -- ✓

Chloroplasts -- ✓

Animal Cell Model Inspiration

There are so many different ways to

build an animal cell model!

Little Snowdon

1/10

Step 4: Choose Your Materials

Here's where the real fun begins! It's time to

decide which materials you will use to create
each organelle.

Activity: To power up your creativity, set a timer

for two minutes. During that time, write down
every possible material you can think of. Here's
a short list to get you thinking outside the box:

Edible Materials: Twizzlers, Skittles,

gummy worms, jawbreakers, gum, pretzels,
marshmallows, cereal, cake, cookies,
chocolate chips, Jell-O, icing or fondant,
sprinkles, food coloring

Non-Edible Materials: Clay, styrofoam,

beads, yarn, twine, dry noodles, dry beans,
pipe cleaners, buttons, rubber bands,
toothpicks, construction paper, cardboard

Hint: The best materials are ones that already

look like the organelles you're trying to create.
For example, the nucleus in any cell is always
round, so a jawbreaker, bouncy ball, or orange
would each make a great nucleus in your cell
model.

Plant Cell Model Inspiration

Get creative and build a beautiful plant

cell model!

Amer Ridzuan

1/11

Step 5: Build Your Model

As you begin building, make sure to start with

the base of your 3D cell model. Why? Because
you need to know how big to make everything,
of course!

Once you've baked your cake, bought your

styrofoam block, or sculpted your clay
foundation, you can build those beautiful
organelles. This is where your creativity can
really shine—so have fun and don't forget to
keep a diagram of the organelles nearby!
Having a diagram on hand will ensure that your
cell model is not only super cool to look at but
also scientifically accurate.

Once all of your organelles are securely

attached to the base of your model, label the
organelles. Toothpicks and stickers make great
labels, and they let everyone know what's what
on your cell model.

How to Make an Animal Cell Model

Test Your Knowledge With a Quiz

For each question, choose the best answer. The

answer key is below.

1. The specialized structures that serve

specific purposes within a cell are called
__?

Organs

Organoids

Organelles

Organists

Orgelles

2. Which of these organelles acts as the

"packaging center" of the cell, using
vesicles to transport enzymes in and
out?

Golgi Apparatus

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Cell Membrane

Cell Wall

Nucleus

3. The mitochondria perform which of the

following duties within a cell?

separating the chemical reactions

occurring inside the cell from the
chemicals found in the extracellular
fluid

interpreting DNA's genetic code and

creating amino acids

photosynthesis

providing stability and structure

creating energy through cellular

respiration

4. Which pair of organelles is found only in

plant cells?

Cell Wall & Cell Membrane

Cell Membrane & Chloroplasts

Chloroplasts & Vacuoles

Lysosomes & Chloroplasts

Cell Wall & Chloroplasts

5. Which of these organelles removes

waste from the cell?

Ribosomes

Lysosomes

Vacuoles

Mitochondria

Answer Key

1. Organelles

2. Golgi Apparatus

3. creating energy through cellular

respiration

4. Cell Wall & Chloroplasts

5. Lysosomes

A Deeper Understanding

Building a cell model should deepen your

understanding of the cell and all of its distinct
parts. It's also important to understand the
functions of each part and how they work
together. Let's take a closer look:

Organelle: Any specialized structure inside the

cell. CAD MicroSolutions Inc.
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