Curated OER
What Are Cells?
Energize the cells of young biologists with an edible life science activity. Engaging learners in exploring the inner workings of plant and animal cells, this activity involves using colored jello and various sweet and...
Curated OER
Bread Cells
Fifth graders examine plant and animal cells. In this plant and animal cell lesson, 5th graders define what cells are, label their parts, and describe how plant and animal cells are different. They observe cells at a number of web sites,...
Curated OER
Jello Cells
Students create a three dimensional model of a cell. In this cellular structure instructional activity, students use gelatin, plastic bags, plastic containers, and fruit to construct a model of a cell. They compare the cells structures...
Curated OER
The Incredible, Edible Cell
Students discover organelles and the functions organelles perform in cells. In this biology lesson, students create model cells using Jell-o, then dissect their "cell" to examine the parts that create a cell. Students create a diagram as...
Curated OER
Jello Cells
Students describe the cell as a 3D object rather than the 2D object they are accustomed to observing. They describe the appearance and location within the cell of the various cell organelles.
Virginia Department of Education
The Ratio of Surface Area to Volume
Demonstrate the ratio of surface area to volume in your high school class by using phenolphthalein, gelatin, and an onion. Intrigue the class by leading a discussion on osmosis and diffusion, then making "scientific jello." Participants...
Cornell University
Shedding a "Little" Light on Cancer Surgery
Many types of cancer treatments now depend on nanotechnology—a big "little" discovery. Scholars begin by removing "malignant" tissue from simulated brains, one using fluorescent markers thanks to nanotechnology and one without. This...
LABScI
Enzymes: The Spit Lab
Enzymes in our bodies each have a job to do. Learn the factors that affect the activity of some enzymes using the third activity of an informative 12-part biology series. A three-part laboratory activity asks teams to investigate how...
BiologyWise
Biology Wise: Simple Steps on How to Build a Plant Cell Model
Describes the steps in how to make a model of a plant cell using simple materials and sweet foods like jello and candy.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: How Enzymes Work
In this biology lab, students use pineapple juice as an enzyme, and jello as a substrate to illustrate an enzyme/substrate complex.