Curated OER
Bread Cells
Fifth graders examine plant and animal cells. In this plant and animal cell lesson, 5th graders define what cells are, label their parts, and describe how plant and animal cells are different. They observe cells at a number of web sites,...
Curated OER
Cell City Analogy
For this cell analogy worksheet, students are given a story about a city that produced widgets. They compare this to a cell and identify the parts of the cell that are analogous to the parts of the city. They then create their own cell...
Curated OER
Reebops a Model "Organism" for Teaching Genetics Concepts
Reebops are cute, marshmallow-based creatures that can be used to teach inheritance. Beginning biologists draw strips of paper that represent chromosomes from two envelopes, one for the father, and one for the mother. Each parent...
Curated OER
Parts of the Cell
Students examine plant and animal cells to observe the organelles present in the cell, to match the function of each to the organelle on a cell model and to build a model of the plant or animal cell.
Curated OER
Cell Organelles
Students explore biology by researching living cells. In this living organism instructional activity, students participate in a role-playing activity in which all the students in class form one plant cell by portraying specific parts of...
Serendip
Understanding How Genes Are Inherited via Meiosis and Fertilization
Bring the excitement of genetics to scholars with a dynamic hands-on meiosis modeling experience. During the activity, biologists follow step-by-step procedures to build chromosomes, model independent assortment, learn about crossing...
Curated OER
Biology: Make a Model Cell
Students compare and contrast plant and animal cells and then create a model of the latter. They visit Websites to view the cells and answer questions about them. In pairs, students create cell models using plastic baggies, syrup,...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
What van Leeuwenhoek Saw
When van Leeuwenhoek saw cells and single-celled organisms for the first time, he knew these small things were a big deal! Share his discoveries with young learners through a narrated video, model-building activity, and scale study....
University of Minnesota
Neurotransmission Model
Don't lose your marbles — you'll need them for a activity on neurotransmission. Young scholars build a neurotransmission model using marbles, beads, rubber bands, string, and other elements. After studying specific neurotransmitters,...
Curated OER
Stem Cell Development
Like a fresh canvas, stem cells can turn into almost anything. In a comprehensive lesson, high school biologists use clay to build a 3-D model of cell division and the processes that occur during the first 14 days of development. Also...
Virginia Department of Education
Building a DNA Model
It has been decades since the discovery of DNA. Still, activities such building this DNA model allow blossoming scientists to better understand the components that form this overall structure. During this activity, they will also...
Curated OER
Gumdrop Crystal Models
A great way to learn about molecular structures is to make a model. Gumdrops and toothpicks are used to construct crystal models. The models are based on theories of crystal shapes that occur because of positive and or negatively charged...
Curated OER
Stem Cell Research
High schoolers examine embryonic cell research and the controversy that surrounds it. In this stem cell lesson students use a debate model and present and defend their positions.
Curated OER
Nerve Cell Informercials
Students research the structure and function of the nervous system. They prepare a model or representation of neural transmission. Students create an infomercial about nerve cells.
Curated OER
DNA Models
Young scholars create DNA models. Using puzzle pieces to represent the parts of a DNA strand, they put together a segment of DNA. Once everyone has completed their individual strand, they being linking with other students using tape. ...
Curated OER
Cell Factory
Young scholars examine the basic structures and functions of cells. They design and construct a factory cell model where each factory part corresponds to a cell part.
Nuffield Foundation
Modelling the Human Ventilation System
Why is breathing so difficult for asthma sufferers? To find out, learners build their own lung models in the investigation (from a British website, hence the term ventilation system instead of respiratory system). Using different-sized...
Curated OER
Cells, Building Blocks of Life
Fourth graders, in groups, explore cells, the basic unit of all living things.
Curated OER
Cell City
Students understand how various cell parts function and how they are related to the genetic process by creating a model and symbol to depict the function of the cell parts. They research a cell part to determine function and then cut...
Curated OER
Parts of a Cell
Learners explore the parts of a cell. They identify the structures of plant and animal cells. Students explain the functions of plant and animal cells. They compare and contrast animal cells to plant cells. Learners create a model of the...
Curated OER
Cells in the Making
Students examine and research the parts of a cell, their functions, and life processes. They simulate how cells receive nutrients using coffee filters, water, and coffee, and construct cells using pudding, cookie dough, and candy.
Curated OER
Seeing the Cell as a System
Students explain how the components of a cell operate as a system. Students examine a bicycle and find out if parts were arranged differently, could the system still be carried out. They look at cells as well and see what function they...
Curated OER
Cell Structure and Function
Pupils identify the main ideas of different cell theories. Using a microscope, they compare and contrast the structures and functions of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. They also compare and contrast animal and plant cells and complete...
Curated OER
Cells: A project in 3-D for Special Needs Students
Students 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 mode.