Make Your Own Cell Model

    Your entire body is made up of tiny things called cells. You can construct  your own model of a cell with this simple activity.

Materials Needed:

1. Sparkling White Grape Jello Mix
2. A resalable plastic bag
3. If you are using a large plastic bag use a small plum, if it is the smaller sandwich size use a grape.  
4. adult helper

Procedure 

1. Follow the directions on the package to make the jello dessert.  
2. Let the jello cool until it is room temperature. 
3. Pour the gelatin into the bag and seal it. Make sure your seal is tight. The bag is the cell membrane and the jello is cytoplasm
4. Put the bag into the refrigerator and let it chill for three to four hours until it is firm.
5. Put the plum or grape into the center of the jello and reseal the bag. The plum or grape is the nucleus of the cell.
6. Place your cell on the kitchen counter or other flat surface. Observe the shape.
7. Now gently squeeze your cell. Most cells in your body will easily change shape like this when they are moved. Except bone cells which remain firm. (Just be careful not to squeeze to hard or you will have cytoplasm everywhere!) 

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