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Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Easy Plant Cell Model Ideas

Easy Plant Cell Model Ideas

Published: Sep 26, 2024 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

Animal and plant cells have three main differences. They both have a nucleus, cytoplasm and cell membrane, but only plant cells have a cell wall, vacuole and chloroplasts. We used jelly to create an easy plant cell model showing the main features of a plant cell.

See our animal cell model post for more about the organelles found in both types of cells.

Features of a plant cell

Cell wall – a rigid coating made of cellulose, which supports the cell.

Vacuole – this is a large space filled with cell sap. Cell sap is a solution of sugar and salts.

Chloroplasts – these contain chlorophyll, which is needed for photosynthesis.

Plant Nutrition

Did you know plants make their own food? They use a chemical process called photosynthesis, which takes place in every green plant. Photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide and water along with energy from sunlight to make glucose ( energy for the plant ) and oxygen!

Photosynthesis Equation

carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen

Plants get carbon dioxide from the air through their leaves and water from the ground via their roots.

Light energy comes from the Sun and is absorbed by chlorophyll ( found in chloroplasts ). It is chlorophyll that gives leaves their green colour.

The glucose created in photosynthesis is converted into other substances, including starch, for the storage of energy.  This energy can be released by respiration.

What affects photosynthesis?

Four factors affect photosynthesis. The faster photosynthesis occurs, the more the plant grows.

Light – the more light there is, the faster photosynthesis occurs.

Water – not enough water slows photosynthesis down.

Temperature – photosynthesis works best at around 30 degrees Celsius.

Levels of carbon dioxide – photosynthesis is faster if there is more carbon dioxide in the air.

Easy plant cell models

Jelly Plant Cell Model

We made these plant cell models using jelly ( jello ) and different candy sweets. They are very easy to make and look great.

What you need to make a jelly plant cell model

Jelly/Jello

Different sweets – you’ll need something long and thin for the cell membrane.

A container

Instructions

Make your jello as per the instructions in a lightly greased container.

Once set, gently tip it into the container you want to keep the cell in ( it’ll be hard to move after this point )

Add sweets to look like each organelle.

Use toothpicks and stickers as signs to label the cell model.

If you look closely you might spot an error with our labelling..

We found that some sweets, especially hard boiled or sugar coated ones leaked colour into the jelly after a period of time. Keeping them in the fridge seemed to help slow this process down.

Jelly Plant Cell Model - a square of jello with candy organelles

Jello plant cell model made with green jelly, candy and flag labels

Plant and Animal Cell Revision Cards

Click the image below to download my FREE cell revision cards! You can pin them up somewhere or cut them into cards to carry around.

Animal and Plant Cell Revision Cards
plant and animal cell revision cards

Pizza Cell Model

If you don’t fancy a jelly model, how about a pizza plant cell model?

Pizza plant cell model using pepperoni, peppers and tomatoes to show organelles

Modroc Plant Cell Model

This model is made from modroc ( plaster bandage ). We built it over a rectangular container and left it to dry to get the shape.

We used scrunched-up bits of Modroc to form the organelles and then painted it!

plant cell model made from modroc and painted to show the organelles.

Candy Plant Cell Model

Or how about a slightly easier candy version?

Candy model of a Plant Cell on a paper plate with flag labels

Collage of plant cell models made using jelly.

More Plant Science for Kids

Use two paper plates and a split pin to create a plant life cycle spinner

Find out how water is transported in plants with these easy experiments to demonstrate plant water transportation.

We’ve also got lots of plant science activity ideas which fit the English science curriculum, including dissecting flowers!

Collage of plant cell models made from pizza, jelly and modroc. Great activity for learning about plant cells.

Science concepts

Photosynthesis

Plant cells

Last Updated on September 26, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

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Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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