Teaching the basics of cells can be a lot of fun. There are heaps of hands-on activities and games out there to really engage students. Making models gives kids a sense of pride over the finished product, and more advanced students can add as much detail as they wish. Check out this collection of engaging activities that shine a light on plant and animal cells!
1. Build-a-Cell
In this worksheet, students color in the different cell parts and stick them into the correct cell. Once all the cells are complete, comparisons can be made between them. Building their own cell helps students better retain learning.
Learn More: You’ve Got This Math
2. Doodle Diagrams
Annotating text as you read is a proven way to encourage students to think critically about any topic- especially in science. Make sure to only annotate when it’s meaningful to the text. Using different colored pencils and writing styles adds interest to notes as well.
Learn More: Science and Math With Mrs. Lau
3. Paper Plate Cell
Using a large paper plate in this activity enlarges the cell parts for students- allowing them to see the different parts in more detail. Using a diagram for reference, students can use markers to illustrate and label the different parts of the cell.
Learn More: Pinterest
4. Plant and Animal Cell Posters
Have students work in teams with each student in the team responsible for researching a different part of the cell. Then, they can collaborate to create a poster on a large piece of white paper, label the cell, and add extra details.
Learn More: Pinterest
5. Membrane Models
To build this model of a cell membrane you will need, 3 pipe cleaners, a straw, a rubber band, 50 cotton swabs, scissors, a marble, and one BB. Each part of the model represents real parts of a cell membrane.
Learn More: Education
6. Felt Cell
This fun animal cells resource requires you to have around eight or nine different colored pieces of felt, and at least two larger pieces for the circle areas. Each different color represents different parts of the cell and is a great, hands-on activity for kids.
Learn More: Applie Juice
7. MYO Slime Cell
This experiment uses the contact lens solution method for the slime. Following any online method is fine, just make sure it’s a green color for a plant cell as these contain chlorophyll. Using an online diagram, task students to find objects to add to the solution that represents the different parts of the cell eg. cotton balls for the mitochondria.
Learn More: Royal Baloo
8. Activity Pairs
Firstly, have students color in the puzzle pieces. The aim is to glue the name of each organelle on the top and the function and information on the sides. Organize all the names, functions, and information in groups and have students then match these up.
Learn More: Commoncore Material
9. Plant Cell Labeling
For this plant cell activity, students must carefully label the parts of the cell. It’s perfect for an end-of-lesson activity to check to understand. It can be completed independently or in small groups.
Learn More: Science Facts
10. Plant Cell Jello
Use green jello for this activity and a rectangular shaped dish to mimic the shape of the plant cell. Provide some different-sized and textured food items that students will use to represent the different parts of the cell and label them.
Learn More: HSR Science
11. MYO Cell Cake
For this tasty activity, you will need a pack of vanilla cake mix, frosting, and green coloring for your cytoplasm. Your kids can use candy and other sweet treats to create the other parts of the cell. Place these on top of the cake mix and green cytoplasm frosting, and label what they are.
Learn More: Somewhat Simple
12. Dough Cell Activity
This simple activity requires you to have a few different colors of play-dough for learners to visually represent the different parts of the cell. In this model, they used orange for the cytoplasm and a red cotton ball for the nucleus.
Learn More: Mavenhood Blogspot
13. Make a Lapbook
Students love to make their own resources. They can create this colorful lap book by simply folding a piece of A4 paper in half. Students will then design the front with colorful diagrams of plant and animal cells. Inside, they will detail their research on animal cell structures.
Learn More: We Have Kids
14. Animal Cell T-Shirt
Use fabric markers, buttons, pom poms, and other common craft items to make this animal cell shirt! A great end-of-topic activity for students and it serves as a great reminder of the parts of the cells.
Learn More: Discover Hubpages
15. Shrinky Dinks Cell Model
If you’ve never used shrinky dinks before, it’s plastic that can be drawn on, and when put in the oven it shrinks. It can be purchased at your local craft store. Have students draw the outline of the cell- using a diagram for reference.
Learn More: Teacher Thrive
16. Mint Tin Cell Model
Print the parts of a cell onto a piece of cardstock and cut them out. Have students place these in their correct positions within the cell walls, i.e. the tin.
Learn More: Teacher Thrive
17. Cell Doors
Give students a piece of A4 paper folded in half. They must then use scissors to make eight slits, for eight windows. They draw and label a cell on each window and write information about each inside!
Learn More: Teaching in Room 6
18. Cell Wheel
Each foldable has two layers; the organelle name, and the function. When matched up to the correct color, facts are revealed about the organelle. This can be stuck in books or kept on desks as a learning resource.
Learn More: Commoncore Material
19. Plant Cell Model Activity
For this activity, different objects are used to represent the different parts of the plant cell. Make sure students arrange the objects carefully before gluing them down. They can use diagrams as a reference!
Learn More: JDaniel 4’s Mom
20. Animal Cell Model
This fun animal cell activity uses fruit to teach the different parts! Making something by hand makes it easier for kids to visualize a cell and all its functions. Work with what you have around the classroom.
Learn More: Research Parent
20 Fin-tastic Pout Pout Fish Activities