Learn about animal cells with this fun and free printable animal cell coloring activity! Coloring an animal cell model is a quick STEAM project, perfect for any time of the year. Color in and label the parts of an animal cell as you explore what makes animal cells different from plant cells.
Animal Cell Project Set Up
💡 Note: With this animal cell project, you can get as creative as you want or as time allows. Use construction paper or other forms of media along with any mediums you like to create your animal cell model!
Supplies:
- Animal cell coloring sheets (see below)
- Colored pencils
- Watercolors
- Scissors
- Glue stick
Instructions:
STEP 1: Print out the animal cell coloring worksheets.
💡 Pair this animal cell project with our printable plant cell coloring sheets and 3d plant cell diorama.
STEP 2: Color each part with colored pencils or watercolor paints.
STEP 3: Cut out the different parts of the cell.
STEP 4: Use a glue stick to attach each part of the cell inside the animal cell.
Can you identify each part of the animal cell, and what it does?
The Parts of an Animal Cell
Animal cells are fascinating structures that play an essential role in the life of all animals. Animal cells contain a nucleus and structures called organelles, which have different functions.
A single cell can form a living organism. In higher-order animals, cells are organized together to form structures such as tissues, organs, bones, blood, etc., and will have specialized tasks.
Animal cells are different from the cells of plants. They don’t make food like plant cells do. Learn about plant cells here.
Cell Membrane. This is a thin barrier that surrounds the cell and acts as a guard for the cell. It controls what molecules are allowed in and out of the cell.
Cytoplasm. A gel-like substance that fills the cell and helps it to keep its shape.
Nucleus. This organelle contains the cell’s genetic material or DNA and controls the activities of the cell.
Nucleolus. It is found within the nucleus, and is responsible for producing and assembling the cell’s ribosomes which are then transported to the cytoplasm.
Vacuole. A simple storage unit for food, nutrients or waste products.
Lysosomes. Break down materials such as lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins into their parts. They also are responsible for breaking down and getting rid of waste products from the cell.
Centrioles. Animal cells have 2 centrioles which are located near the nucleus. They help with cell division.
Golgi Apparatus. Also called golgi body. These organelles package proteins into vesicles (a fluid like sac or vacuole) so they can be transported to their destination.
Mitochondria. An energy molecule that provides power to almost every function throughout the cell.
Ribosomes. Tiny particles found in large numbers in the cytoplasm, which make proteins.
Endoplasmic reticulum. A large folded membrane system that puts together lipids or fats and creates new membranes.
Add On These Fun Science Labs
Here are some more hands-on learning biology activities that would be fantastic additions to include with these animal cell coloring sheets!
Animal Cell Diorama
Make this printable animal cell diorama that will help kids visualize and understand cell anatomy creatively.
Strawberry DNA Extraction
See DNA up close with this fun DNA extraction lab. Get the strawberry DNA strands to release from their cells and bind together into a format that’s visible to the naked eye.
Compare to Plant Cells
Color in and label the parts of a plant cell as you explore what makes plant cells different to animal cells. Grab the free printable and make a 3d plant cell diorama. Use playdough to make this fun plant cell model.
BONUS: DNA Coloring Worksheet
Learn all about the double helix structure of DNA with this fun and free printable DNA coloring worksheet! Color in the parts that make up DNA, as you explore our amazing genetic code.
More Animal Biology Activities
💡Explore even more animal activities here, including ocean animals, LEGO challenges, life cycles, and more.
- Animal Adaptations
- Food Chain Worksheets
- Coral Reef Project
- Migration Activities
- Pollinator Activities
- LEGO Animal Habitats
Printable Animal and Plant Cell Pack
Want to explore animal and plant cells even more? Our project pack features extra activities to learn all about cells. Grab your pack here and get started today.
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