Animal cell fun!

I recently did this project to teach myself the main organelles and structures within a cell, and it was so much fun I wanted to share. I think that this would be a fun homeschool science project for a middle schooler, and it's a great way for a Kinesthetic learner to delve into a complex subject.


                                                            Animal Cell Cake

I found this great website called,  Cells Alive , they have a wonderful interactive animated program and this would be the best place to get a fun introduction to cells. Below is a list of the organelles and cellular structures that I have labeled on the cake above.


1. Nucleus

2. Nucleolus

3. Rough endoplasmic reticulum

4. Ribosomes (which stick to the rough endoplasmic reticulum)

5. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

6. Golgi apparatus

7. Lysosome

8. Mitochondria

9. Centrosome

10. Microtubules


All of the organelles/structures where made with fondant, which I picked up at Walmart for around $6 a box. One box was plenty for the project, even considering for mistakes and a little play. I already had some Wilton icing color on hand, but those are also available at Walmart (in the same aisle). Otherwise, regular food coloring really works just fine!

                          Fondant is wicked fun for kids (and adults). You've been forewarned! 

 

Below are links to websites, and worksheets that would further be an asset for a Cell Mini Unit.
 

Websites:

Khan Academy video Parts of a cell

National Institute of Medical Sciences Inside the Cell

Mrs Science Nut  The Great Cell Webquest



Worksheets:

Biology Junction  Plant and Animal Cells Worksheet

Davis Joint Unified School District Cell Organelles Worksheet

                                                                   Enjoy!!