The three-dimensional physical form of a cell, as opposed to a two-dimensional textbook representation, enables students to use research to create the organelle shapes themselves, understand the differences between large cellular structures -- such as cell walls in plants versus none in animal cells -- and contrast small cellular structures such as a chloroplast and mitochondria. Plant or animal cell dioramas may be individual or group projects. Materials can include a shoebox, molding clay, Styrofoam, craft felt, glue, pins and tacks. For enrichment, have some students make dioramas of specific organelles.
Short-term plant projects teach students about the early stages of a plant’s lifespan and the dynamic purposes of plant anatomy. Mung beans, the seeds of Vigna radiata, germinate within two days. Have students cut paper towels to fit inside plastic film canisters and make the towels damp. They should place two seeds inside each canister and then cover them completely so that the seeds are in total darkness. The seeds should germinate overnight, producing root hairs and the root. Have students record the early lifespan of the plant in a journal, including details about root anatomy and root hair cell growth.
Doing salinity tests on plants introduces students to plant ecology and physiology. According to the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics, salinity reduces shoot growth of some plants. Use rooted cuttings of coleus plants such as Solenostemon scuttellarioides. Have students create various solutions with salt and water. The maximum salinity should be a half-cup of salt to a gallon of water, the salinity of ocean water. Students should use various concentrations to find out how much salinity the coleus plants can tolerate over time. They should pay attention to wilting. Have students write their observations of different sets of plants in a journal. For enrichment, have students use fortified potting soil and sand.
Combine students’ knowledge of biology, animal facts and creativity with group projects that make animal magazines. These are ideal projects for the end of a semester since they encourage students to review the kingdom Animalia. Instruct each group to focus on subgroups like birds, mammals or fish. Design a table of contents for the students to use to structure their magazines. Have them address the animal’s cellular structure, development, competition, anatomy and other biological concepts.