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What are some great projects for teaching animal and plant cells, specifically the differences, that include the standards of common core for a 5th grade class?

Something fun that I do with my high school biology class, but that could be simplified for a fifth grade class is to have my students make a cell brochure. They have to decide if they are making a brochure for a plant or animal cell. Then they have to create analogies that correspond to their cell. For example - If I were to make a brochure for a plant cell I might have a brochure for my castle. Then I would explain that I have a moat with a draw bridge that allows only certain visitors to enter or leave my city this is like the plant cell wall. Inside of the moat you can find my tall walls that offer more protection for my city similar to the plant's cell membrane. My inner throne room would represent the nucleus since I am queen of the city.... etc. My students tend to really like this assignment and I can typically tell who understands the function of the various cell organelles. I make it a test grade but give them plenty of time to complete the project. It's an idea. :)

Hi Leigh -

Here is a link to an article from NSTA Science Scope with a visual literacy lesson plan on cells.

What do you See? (2011) http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/4/sc11_049_01_42

Science Sampler: Using the Arts to Enhance Science Learning (Science Scope) http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/4/ss07_031_01_56 has some creative cell teaching ideas, such as 'pin the parts on the cell'

Songs about Cells are fun learning tools too.
Cells Song by Mr. Parr http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRZthGlzEUc
According to his annotations, he writes for his 6th grade class.

The Cell Song by Glen Wolkenfeld Preview at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rABKB5aS2Zg
You can find it on ITunes to purchase.

Dorothy

Thank you Angela! I love the idea of making connections of cell parts with "real life" situations. I really see how this could be adapted for 5th grade. I think I can really go somewhere with that!

Dorothy, I've down loaded the NSTA resouces into my library and love the songs! I've pictured in my mind having a type of worksheet while playing "The Cell Song" by Glenn Wolkenfeld and having the students fill in cell part names or the functions. This is really great!

Hello, I remember making an edible cell model with one of my tutoring students. The students have to pick if either they are going to do a plant or animal cell Model and then will build it with candy or food that looks like the different components. They will also label the parts and stick it on to a tooth pick so that the parts are easily identified. They will also make a key with the candy or food and what it stands for. They also have to state the difference from the other model. If they are doing an animal cell they have to explain why that is different from a plant cell. This is definitely a very interactive project and the students absolutely love it! Hope this helps!Attached is a picture of a model. Chelsie

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