Plant and Animal Cell Mystery

Most students are aware that plant and animal cells are different, but how are they different? In this activity, written in the form of a mystery, students must apply their knowledge of cell structure and organelles to identify four unknown prepared slides. To successfully solve the mystery, students need to determine if each sample originated from a plant or animal, and they must provide sketches and the supporting evidence such as identifiable organelles to explain their choices. This lab is an especially effective way to help students develop critical thinking skills. It’s one thing for them to look at pictures and memorize definitions—another thing to sort through the evidence!