Cell Project Extra Credit

5th Grade Science Cell Project 

Date Due- 5/27/14  
Essential Questions: How are animal and plant cells alike or different? What are 
organelles? What organelles are found in a cell (plant/animal)? What are the functions of 
those organelles? 
Assignment: Construct a three-dimensional model and/or poster of a Plant OR Animal Cell. 
Directions: 
1. Decide whether you want to make a model or poster of an animal or plant cell. 
2. Find creative materials from around the house that could be used for the cell organelles. **NO 
FOODS please; dry goods such as rice, pasta and beans are fine though. Suggestions for materials: 
pipe cleaners, string, plastic beads, balloons, toothpicks, playdoh, construction paper, clay. 
3. Decide what material will represent each part of the cell. Use your notes, textbook, examples on 
my website and diagram handouts to help you construct your model. Also, I have projects from 
previous years on display in the science lab that you may look at for ideas. 
4. Before you begin you should make a rough draft of the design on a sheet of paper listing the 
materials that you will use. 
Model/Poster Requirements: 
____ Your model must have the following organelles correctly labeled with a description of its function to the cell. You may use a key diagram instead of directly labeling on the cell if you wish. 
Plant Cell:- Chloroplast, cell wall, cell membrane, vacuole, mitochondria, nucleus, cytoplasm 
Animal Cell:- Cell membrane, vacuole, mitochondria, nucleus, cytoplasm 
_____ You must also complete the 2 questions (in complete sentences) on the rubric. 
______ The rubric must be turned in with the model to receive full credit. 
______ The assignment must be turned in by the date due to receive full credit. 

 Grades will be based on the following questions: 
______Is your name on the project? 
______Is the cell type identified? 
______Is your model a 3-D replica of a plant or animal cell? 
______Are all the organelles included? (7 for plants cells, 5 for animal cells) 
______Are the organelles correctly labeled? Each organelle must be labeled with its name and function. 
______Are the relationships between the parts (if any) shown correctly? 
______Are the materials used acceptable? 
______Is the written component neat, error free, and filled with all of the cell organelles 
 and their functions? 
______Was the project turned in on time with the rubric and questions included? 
Examples:

You must answer the following questions and turn in with your project and rubric. 

1. How are plant and animal cells similar and how are they different? 


2. In your own words, which part of a cell do you consider to be the most important part 
and why?