Clay is a good medium for creating a flat cell model. Using different colors for each part of the cell allows a student to accurately label all the parts. White clay is a good option for cytoplasm because it can be used to represent the areas that are surrounded by the clear substance. Make only the cytoplasm is white and create the other parts of the cell from different colors so that a teacher understands that the cytoplasm surrounds the cell and is not found in other parts. This also makes it easy to make a color-coded legend for the model rather than labeling each piece on the actual clay figure.
Gelatin is available in a clear color and closely mimics the appearance of cytoplasm, making it a fun option for a plant model that students can enjoy eating later. Using a baking sheet, pour out the clear gelatin and allow it to set. Create the other parts of the cell with various colors of gelatin. Put the entire model together on a cookie sheet and cover with the clear gelatin. Cut it into the shape of a plant cell. This gives the teacher and other students a good view of what a cell looks like from the outside in.
Plastic wrap is a clear material that makes a good cytoplasm option for covering a three-dimensional plant cell model. Create the inside of the plant cell from a cardboard box or hollowed out Styrofoam ball. Tightly stretch a piece of plastic wrap over the model, which represents the cytoplasm and allows other to view the inside of the plant cell. Secure it with tape on the back of the model to prevent it from puckering or falling off.
A clear plastic ball that snaps closed is an ideal material for representing cytoplasm. Look for one at a craft or toy store. A thin plastic hamster ball works well, too. Open the ball, construct the inner parts of the plant cell and label as needed. Close the ball and label the cytoplasm on the outside. Secure the ball with tape or glue to prevent it from opening and losing pieces of the model.