Cell Organelles


Cells under a Microscope

You can have students create and analyze their own cheek and onion cell slides under a microscope and illustrate any similarities and differences they observe. Students should be able to see a cell membrane, nucleus (Animal cell) and and chloroplast (plant cell).

(Tip: Use a very small piece of onion and store inside a zip lock baggies since the order is strong and penetrating).

For Gram staining support, you can show this video to students so they can follow while staining their slides.


Let’s Build a 3D Cell Model

Have students create a 3D Cell model representation  of either a plant or animal cell with its appropriate organelles using materials of their choice. Students can independently complete this activity at home.

No more spending time during class for presentations or building models. Allow 1 week for activity to be completed at home and a video recoding link to be submitted to you. Have students record themselves describing their model and the functions of their organelles).


Use Chalk Markers on lab tables

Students can identify and illustrate plant and  animals cells and label their different cell organelles as an explore or engage activity.

It’s imperative that students can first identify the structure of cells and organelles since the structure will determine the function of each organelle. This will later connect to cell differentiation and specialized cells.

All you need is chalk markers and a lab table. Chalk markers are easy to clean up with a dry or wet wipe. (Tip: Have a group leader come up and pick up 2 chalk markers- Once the activity is over have them return it.) This is also a great quick and collaborative assessment activity to get an idea of any misconceptions.

Important items to check for in illustrations:


Cell Organelle Card Sort

Matching Card Sorts are great to use as competitive activities. I cut out and laminate my cards and place them in 12 clear plastic baggies.

Before my class begins, I place 2 baggies with 36 cards in each one. During my engage activity, I have my 6 groups (students work in pairs) match all 36 cards into 12 sets (name, image and description). I make it into a competitive game. First group to finish gets a prize. Students have a blast and learn at the same time.

If you would like to check out the Card Sort I used for this lesson, you can find it on my TPT Store.


Coloring Cell Organelles

Believe it or not students love to color and more if there is a purpose to the activity. Students will have to answer “Who am I"?” multiple choice questions and based on their response color the cell accordingly. If students respond correctly, then their final coloring product will be correctly colored.

If you would like to check out the Coloring Who am I? activity I used for this lesson, you can find it on my TPT Store.


Cell Analogies

Students will explore the functions of the different cell organelles, decide on a theme and create analogies for either a plant or animal cell.

(Tip: Let students know they must come up with an innovative idea or you can have them randomly pick a theme. Students cannot choose the same theme as their classmates and cannot use an example of the internet).


Specialized Cell Foldable

Its important to connect past, present and future content from the start. As students are learning about cells and their organelles, it’s important to note that a cell’s structure will determine it’s function.

Therefore, have students create a foldable with different types of cells and have them write their specific function. For example, a plant cell will photosynthesize while a red blood cell is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. You can have students research unique cell types or you can provide them with a list with different cell type options.


I have created a specialized cell foldable that is available on my TPT store in which students can color 8 pre-determined cell types and write down their cell function. Additionally, the foldable also includes a white template for different differentiation needs.