1. After studying cell structure, divide the class
into small groups.
2. Gather all materials and have them laid out
according to the number of student groups.(See material list.)
3. Distribute materials and lists of cell
structures to each group.
4. Inform groups they will be making plant cells.
When they finish, each cell will be about the size of a baseball. The
first part of the class period will be spent making the cell structures
themselves. Instruct them to wait before putting the cells together
until you can explain the procedure. Have group leaders assign
responsibility for each cell part, to the group members.
5. Have the "cell membrane people" cut
the large piece of plastic wrap i and place the pieces on the tables.
6. Have the "cytoplasm people" cut the
large piece of wax paper and place the pieces on the tables.
7. Have members of each group find the supplies
they need to represent their cell structures, cut, form, fold, paste,
etc. until their structure is simulated. Then place the finished
structures in a pile on the center of the "cytoplasm".
8. When all of the cell parts are completed and in
place, have someone in each group"gather up" the cytoplasm
carefully cupping it around and seal all of the edges together forming a
ball. Next have the "cell membrane people" wrap the cellophane
around the cytoplasm and place in the "cell wall".
