3D Plant & Animal Cell Models

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How to Make a 3D Model of a Cell

3D models are a fun, easy way to learn about plant and animal cells and this science project is often assigned in both middle and high school biology classes. Need a little inspiration for your own cell project? You're in luck! Here you'll find a huge variety of 3D cell models made of clay, styrofoam, Jell-O and everything in between. Not sure where to begin or what to buy? Jump ahead to How to Make a 3D Cell Model for a step-by-step guide that will help you build an awesome plant or animal cell on a budget.

Image Credit: asphyxia

3D Animal Cell Model Pictures

Click the links to view the most unique animal cell models on the web!

3D Plant Cell Model Pictures

Clink the links to view the most unique plant cell models on the web!

Pre-Made Plant & Animal Cell Models

Scientifically Accurate Cell Models to Help You Teach or Learn

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What Type of Cell Model Are YOU Making?

Plant or Animal Cell? Edible or Non-Edible?

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Plant & Animal Cell Products

Cell T-Shirts, Buttons and more!

Animal cell shirtplant cell2 shirtAnimal Cell buttonBiology buttonCellular Nucleus Inside (Cell Biology) stickerProcess Of Mitosis Ongoing Inside (Biology Humor) shirtAnimal cell structure mug

3D Cell Model Videos

Check out these cell model videos for information on the different organelles and inspiration for your materials.

ELI_CELL_PROJECT.mp4
by jbeg | video info

29 ratings | 21,359 views
curated content from YouTube

How To Make a 3D Cell Model

A Step-by-Step Guide For Building an A+ Cell Model

3D animal cell cake model

You don't need to be an award-winning painter, baker or sculptor to create a top-notch cell model -- or to have FUN while doing it! Simply follow the steps listed here and you'll be on your way to an "A" in no time.

STEP 1: Plant Cells vs. Animal Cells

Plant and Animal Cells Have Different Shapes

First and foremost, you need to decide whether you will create a plant cell or animal cell. Plant cells and animal cells are shaped differently and contain different parts. The best way to decide? Take a look at some cell diagrams like these:


Looking for something interactive? Check out CellsAlive.com. The site offers awesome animations of both plant and animal cells with descriptions of each organelle.

Inexpensive Cell Resources

Books About Plant and Animal Cells For $10 or Less

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STEP 2: Edible vs. Non-Edible Models

Do you plan to eat your cell model?

animal cell modelNext, you should decide whether you want to make an edible cell model or a non-edible cell model. Edible cell models can be eaten (yum!) and are often made with cake, candy, Rice Krispie Treats or Jell-O. Non-edible cell models cannot be eaten and are often made with craft supplies like styrofoam, pipe cleaners and clay.

If you're building your 3D model for a science class, check with your teacher to make sure an edible cell model like the one pictured here is ok before you take the time to make it!

Cell Resources For Visual Learners

DVDs About Plant and Animal Cells For $25 or Less

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STEP 3: Parts of the Cell

Plant and animal cells have different parts!

Now you need to make a list of all the parts, or organelles, you will need to include in your 3D cell model. Organelles are the "mini organs" found inside every plant and animal cell. Each organelle has a different function and physical appearance, and together they work to keep the cell alive. Here's a breakdown of the organelles found in each type of cell:

animal cell model
  • ANIMAL CELL:
    1. Cell Membrane
    2. Cytoplasm
    3. Nucleus
    4. Golgi Apparatus
    5. Endoplasmic Reticulum
    6. Ribosomes
    7. Mitochondria
    8. Vacuoles
    9. Lysosomes
  • PLANT CELL:
    1. Cell Wall
    2. Cell Membrane
    3. Cytoplasm
    4. Nucleus
    5. Golgi Apparatus
    6. Endoplasmic Reticulum
    7. Ribosomes
    8. Mitochondria
    9. Central Vacuole
    10. Chloroplasts

STEP 4: Materials

What items will you use to make your cell model?

Here's where the real fun begins! It's time to decide what materials you will use to create each organelle. The best materials are ones that already look like the organelles you're trying to create. For example, the nucleus in any cell is always round so a jawbreaker, bouncy ball or orange would each make a great nucleus in your cell model. Here's a list of materials to get you thinking outside the box:

  • EDIBLE MATERIALS: Twizzlers, Skittles, gummy worms, jawbreakers, gum, pretzels, marshmallows, cereal, cake, cookies, Jell-O, icing or fondant, sprinkles, food coloring

  • NON-EDIBLE MATERIALS: clay, styrofoam, beads, yarn, dry noodles, pipe cleaners, buttons, rubber bands, toothpicks, construction paper, cardboard

Edible Cell Model Supplies

Delicious Cell Model Supplies For Any Budget

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Non-Edible Cell Model Supplies

Creative, Colorful Craft Supplies For Your Cell Project

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STEP 5: Build Your Model

Have fun while you learn!

animal cell modelAs you begin building, make sure to start with the base of your 3D cell model. Why? Because you need to know how big to make everything, of course!

Once you've baked your cake, bought your styrofoam block or sculpted your clay foundation, you can build those beautiful organelles! This is where your creativity can really shine so HAVE FUN and don't forget to keep a diagram of the organelles nearby! Having a diagram on hand will ensure that your cell model is not only super cool to look at but also scientifically accurate.

Once all of your organelles are securely attached to the base of your model, label your organelles. Toothpicks and stickers make great labels and they let everyone know what's what on your cell model.

STEP 6: Ta-Da!

Are you satisfied with your project?

The time has come to admire the awesomeness that is your finished 3D cell model. If you chose to make an edible cell model, it might also be time to break out the forks and knives. Yum!

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Have You Built an Awesome 3D Cell Model?

Share your creation here!

  • Lenskeeper May 22, 2012 @ 10:39 am | delete
    Wonderful idea for learning. I can picture this in cake form, which students could eat afterward! Nice lens.
  • lastlittlebird Apr 24, 2012 @ 1:14 am | delete
    This is such a good idea. Next time I need to memorize the parts of a cell I'm totally going to make a cell shaped cake.
  • Wadi49 Mar 2, 2012 @ 10:03 pm | delete
    I need help with getting a vacuole for my project.
  • Legal Studies Course Feb 28, 2012 @ 1:56 am | delete
    I like your article, very useful and inspiring. thank you.
  • Biology 1406 Feb 25, 2012 @ 8:56 pm | delete
    I'm barely on it. Doing both a plant and a animal cell!
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The Latest Plant and Animal Cell Research

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asphyxia

3D cell models are a fun, hands-on way to learn about cell structure and organelles.

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