Students use a hands-on activity which enhance their understanding of the 3-D characteristics of cells while reinforcing their knowledge of plant and animal cell structure.

Liken a cell and its organelles to a tiny person and its organs. After gathering information on cell structures and their functions, small groups collaborate to come up with an analogy of their own. They produce a collage describing the...

Students create three-dimensional cell models. They may choose to make either a plant or animal cell but must use a Ziploc bag as the cell membrane, slime for the cytoplasm, and strawberry baskets for the cell wall if making a plant...

Middle schoolers use the internet to research information about cells in order to create a 3-D model of a cell. They may choose either to research a plant or animal cell. Students locate and identify the parts of a cell and build a 3-D...

Students review the components of a cell and the differences between plant and animal cells by creating a three-dimensional model of each type of cell. In small groups, they use modeling clay and household object to construct their models.

Students compare cell structure to the structure of a city. In this cell structure lesson, students investigate differences and similarities between cell structure and city structure. Students create a 3-dimensional, edible model of a cell.

Learners explain how cells reproduce. In this biology instructional activity, students explain the different stages of the cell cycle. They calculate the number of new cells produced.

Students create simple 2D concept driven visualizations of cells and cell organelles and organize them into an effective presentation.

Students build a coral polyp out of a banana, straw, oyster crackers, sprinkles, and more. In this coral polyp lesson plan, students also list the differences between plants and animals.

Students study the parts of a cell.  In this chemistry instructional activity students complete an activity in which they make as much slime as they want. 

Students complete a project where they label the parts of a coral polyp and discuss the differences between plants and animals. Students use marshmallows, sprinkles, toothpicks, and more to label their coral polyp.

Students make a mold using Plaster of Paris and then make a cast using that same mold. They pick a fossil and describe how it looks. They write a fictionalized story about its life, or burial. (

Learners are introduced to the unit on the importance of diversity of life and the role that interdependence plays in our worlds. this is part of a multi-instructional activity unit on the diversity of life.