How to Build an Animal Cell Model with Styrofoam and Clay

Here is a step by step process on how to make an animal cell model. Making a cell can be fun and informative as you become familiar with the shape and function of each cell part. Important note: I included a step by step slideshow presentation so you can see the process. Just click on the following link. How to Build an Animal Cell Slideshow

I have also included a resource for the Animal Cell Labels and Functions. Just follow the link.

Here's a list of tools you will need:

1. Box cutter
2. Knife
3. Scissors
4. Glue or super glue
5. Ruler
6. Thin knife for cutting and carving

Here are the materials you will need:

1. Detailed picture of an animal cell
2. Styrofoam ball (or make a ball out of duct tape and paper)
3. Modeling clay, sculpy, or Play-doh
4. Paper towel roll or wooden stick for the stand
5. Wood or card board for the base
6. T-Pins or Toothpicks
7. Black duct tape and regular ¾ inch tape
8. Pipe cleaners (optional)
9. Paint (optional)

Step by Step Directions:

Step 1
Go to a craft store or art store and purchase a Styrofoam ball. If you go to the florist section you can find green half spheres of foam. Keep in mind there are different shapes available. Half spheres work well since they're already pre-cut. A block of Styrofoam is another alternative.

Step 2
If you bought a Styrofoam ball draw a line around it. Use a box cutter and carefully cut the Styrofoam ball into two pieces. Take your time and be careful you want the inside of the ball to be smooth and not jagged.

Step 3
Construct your stand first. This is important because you want a sturdy base to work on. There are different options. You can use a paper towel roll and cut it according to the height you want. Next use black duct tape and cover the outside of the roll. You can also use or buy a round gift box. They have them at Wal-Mart in the crafts section. Use super glue to attach the base to the Styrofoam model.

Step 4
Next paint the cell membrane (outer shell) with a color of your choice. You can also use spray paint. Another option is to cover the entire half sphere in clay which is time consuming but worth it. Make sure you work with one color at a time and have paper towel ready to clean your hands. You don't want to get the cell parts mixed with different colors. Also find some kind of tool so you don't have to use your hands on the small delicate clay structures. A thin knife or sculpting tool works great.

Step 5
Cut a whole in the middle where the nucleus is located. Use a few pipe cleaners for the chromatin. Bundle them together and place them in the hole where the nucleus is. Use clay to make a nucleolus ball, attach it with a tooth pick and place it among the chromatin. This keeps the nucleolus firm in place.

Step 6
You can use another small Styrofoam ball for the nucleus and cut a section so you can see the inside. Before you insert the half nucleus make sure it's painted or covered in clay before you attach it to the cell model. Actually it's a good idea to make all the individual cell parts first before you attach them to the model. This prevents smudging and making mistakes.

Step 7
Once you're ready to attach the nucleus take two toothpicks and stick them through the nucleus into the cell model. Make sure you bury the tooth picks deep enough so you can't see them sticking out. This keeps the nucleus firm in place.

Step 8
Construct all the cell parts and arrange them accordingly. This is where you need a detailed picture of the arrangement. Using clay is the easiest method because you don't have to use cut them or use glue. Simply attach the finished cell parts according to the picture you have.

Step 9
Make a key on a sheet of paper that illustrates the various parts of the cell. Make sure the spelling and function of each part is correct. Attach the paper with the key on the base of your stand. Don't forget to make a title for the cell model.

Step 10
Print out the terms for each cell part and cut them into small labels. Use the T-pins (or tooth picks) to attach each label with a half piece of regular 3/4 inch tape on the back. Make sure the labels are small to keep them from obstructing the cell parts. And finally use super glue to attach the roll with the model to the base. It's important that you make the base solid and firm because you don't want the model to wobble or fall.

Here is a resource on the labels and functions: Animal Cell Labels and Functions

I hope this short tutorial gives you some ideas on how to create your own animal cell model. There are several ideas online so pick and choose which ever one is most useful to you. If you don't have the budget to purchase the materials don't worry. Go around the house and find used and recycled objects you can use.

Here are two videos to give you more ideas:

Cell Models Video

Journey Through the Animal Cell Video

Slideshow presentation:

How to Build an Animal Cell Slideshow

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