All living things are composed of cells, the smallest unit of life that can function on its own.
There are two main types of cells: prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells (like bacteria) do not have a nucleus and are typically smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells. On the other hand, eukaryotic cells have a nucleus that separates genetic material from the cytoplasm. Eukaryotic cells are found in complex organisms, like plants, animals, fungi, and protozoa.
Understanding animal cells
Looking for classroom ideas to teach animal cells? Read on for practical ideas you can try today!
What are animal cells?
Animal cells are eukaryotic cells with an irregular shape, nucleus, and flexible membrane.
Why are animal cells important?
All animals (such as humans, blue whales, or dogs) are multicellular organisms, meaning they contain millions, billions, or even trillions of cells working together. Red blood cells, white blood cells, skin cells, muscle cells, stem cells, and nerve cells are all examples of animal cells.
The core differences between plants and animals are explained by differences between plant and animal cells. Plant cells have three structures that animal cells lack: a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large vacuole. Chloroplasts allow plants to produce their own food from sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water. Since animals cannot produce their own food, they must consume other organisms for energy.
List of animal cell parts
What are the parts of an animal cell? Animal cells are composed of many small parts. Key components of an animal cell include:
- Nucleus: Contains the cell’s DNA and regulates gene expression.
- Cytoplasm: Includes everything between the nuclear membrane and the cell membrane, including all of the organelles and a jelly-like substance called cytosol.
- Cell membrane: A double-layered membrane surrounding the cell that regulates what enters and leaves the cell.
- Mitochondria: Often called the “powerhouse” of the cell, these organelles use oxygen to convert nutrients into energy that the cell can use.
There are many other parts of an animal cell, including centrioles, the cytoskeleton, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, the nuclear membrane, nucleolus, ribosomes, vacuoles, and vesicles.
6 creative ways to teach animal cells
Animal cells are far from boring. They are complex, unique, and detailed…and your lessons can be too! There are a variety of fun ways to teach animal cells. Check out these ideas!
1. Compare cells to real-world objects
Use the analogy of a city to help students understand the complex structures and functions of cells, including animal cells. Just like each part of a city plays a necessary role (like the post office, fire department, and city hall), students can come to see how each part of a cell plays a specific role in the overall functioning of the cell. To boost student engagement, invite students to pick their favorite city or your local town to make the analogy more meaningful.
You can use a variety of other “a cell is like…” analogies (for example, a factory, school, restaurant, or museum) to help students see how various parts work together to make a larger thing function.
2. Build a food cell
Play into students’ love of food with an edible cell activity! Use snack treats, candy, Jello, fruits, cookies, cakes, or vegetables to build functional and tasty cells with your class. The hands-on practice and construction will help students better understand the parts and functions of the cell in tangible ways. Don’t forget about lab safety! Consider having a separate class-wide treat on hand that students can eat after building their unique cells.
3. Craft a cell model
Animal cell activities can also incorporate art. If you’d rather avoid food in your classroom, have students create cell models using styrofoam, felt, buttons, string, clay, and other craft items. Be sure to have students label each area of the cell and its function to reinforce concepts as they express their creativity.
4. Use Gizmos for interactive learning
Using ExploreLearning Gizmos simulations, students can get a close-up look at animal cells to discover their entire structure while exploring animal cell function. In the Cell Structure Gizmo, students can explore the parts of an animal cell under a microscope. Interactive features allow students to select each organelle to learn more about its structure and function. Students can repeat the process for plant cells and bacteria cells.
Gizmos include a variety of pre-made (and customizable!) lesson resources to enhance STEM learning, including vocabulary, supplementary materials, Teacher Guides, Student Exploration Sheets, and more. Teachers can use Gizmos resources to extend learning in small groups or partner pairings as students complete a specific online simulation.
For example, students could work together to complete the Student Exploration Sheet as they progress through the Cell Structure simulation.
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Gizmos Student Exploration Sheets extend student learning.
5. Explore animal cells through a microscope
Observing cells under a microscope can provide students with hands-on learning and visual engagement. Use microscopes in your class to help students learn about the parts of an animal cell.
The Cell Types Gizmo allows students to digitally explore a wide variety of cells using a compound light microscope. The simulation lets students focus on a cell sample using the microscope's coarse and fine focus controls, compare the structures found in different cells, and perform tests to see if the sample is alive.
6. Compare and contrast types of cells
After learning about animal cells, have students work in pairs to summarize the differences and similarities between plant cells and animal cells. Give students options for how they can compare and contrast their findings. Examples include a Venn diagram, written paragraph, visual representation, skit, short video, or musical rap.
For extension activities, have students transfer their findings to posters you can display in the hallway. Connect the activity with oral speaking practice and have each student pair present their findings to the class.
Bringing animal cells to life in the classroom with Gizmos
The Gizmos library contains 550+ simulations with various resources to help students learn about animal cells along with other cells and their functions.
Start a trial to help students get up-close with cells, with simulations including Cell Types, Cell Division, Cell Energy Cycle, Cell Respiration, and more!