Name _________________________________ Class __________________ Date _________________________

QUICK LAB

Making a 3-D Cell Model

In this lab, you will create a model of an animal cell.

Remember to follow safety precautions, even when building models. If you use clay
or paints, remember that they can stain your clothes just like some chemicals can.
Take care to not rub your eyes while working, and be careful with sharp objects you
may use. And just as you would with a lab experiment, clean up well when you are
finished.

OBJECTIVE
• Create a model of a cell.

MATERIALS
• assorted craft supplies, such as yarn/string, balloons, modeling clay, colored paper, beads,
glitter, pipe cleaners, dried pasta and beans, and cardboard
• glue and/or tape
• pencil
• plastic zip-top bag
• scissors
• gloves
• lab apron
• safety goggles
Name _________________________________ Class __________________ Date _________________________

PROCEDURE
1. Gather a piece of paper and various craft supplies, using suggestions from the
materials list above.
In steps 2-6, you’re going to create a table to record the materials you plan to use
for each part of your cell.
2. Draw a three-column table below (if you’re typing your lab, you can choose
“Insert Table” in Microsoft Word). You’ll add rows to the table as you plan
your model.

Animal Cell
Cell Part Material Selected Reason
Nucleus

Lysosome

SER

Golgi body

RER

Ribosome

Cytoplasm

Mitochondria

Cytoskeleton

Cell Membrane
Name _________________________________ Class __________________ Date _________________________

3. Label the first column “Cell part.” In this column, list all of the parts of an
animal cell.
4. Label the second column “Material selected.”
5. Look at all of the craft materials that are available. Determine which materials
you want to use to model each cell part, and list them in your table. Type or
use pencil, since you could change your mind as you start making your model.
6. Label the third column “Reason.” In this column, write the reason you have
decided to use each material to represent each cell part.
7. Assemble your cell.
8. Take 3 pictures of your cell model. Each one should show a different angle or
view of your cell. This can include a top view, a side or angled view, and a
close-up of a particular part. You want your instructor to be able to see all of
the parts and the materials you used.

Pictures:

9. Now draw a picture of your completed cell model in the space below. Label
each cell part. This will help your instructor identify each part of your model in
the photographs you provided.
Name _________________________________ Class __________________ Date _________________________

10. When you’re finished with the lab, be sure you save this lab report (or scan a
copy of it if you’ve written on it by hand instead of typing). You’ll need to
upload the following:
a. This lab with your answers typed or handwritten in the blanks
b. 3 photos of your cell model (step 8)
Feel free to upload other photos of your process as well. If you want, you can
also insert your photos into a Word document and upload it, rather than
attaching several photos separately. You are limited in the number and size of
documents you can upload.

STUDY TIP

Think about all the different models that you’ve seen scientists or doctors
use to explain or explore aspects of nature. Have you seen digital models,
or just physical models, like the one you just built?
If you found this lab helpful for remembering the parts of the cell, think
about other models you could build on your own to help you study.
Consider building a plant cell. Also think about how simple drawings
could help you remember different concepts. If you are a visual or tactile
learner, use this to your advantage when preparing for the final exam.