Plant vs. Animal Cells Venn Diagram

This plant and animal cells worksheet uses a classic Venn diagram sort to help students nail down what these two eukaryotic cell types share and what sets them apart. Students read 12 phrases in the word bank and decide whether each describes only plant cells, only animal cells, or both — then write it in the correct region of the diagram.

The sort targets the comparisons that matter most: the rigid cell wall, chloroplasts, and large central vacuole that define plant cells; the centrioles, many small vacuoles, and flexible shapes of animal cells; and the structures every eukaryotic cell shares — a nucleus, mitochondria, cell membrane, and cytoplasm. Placing shared traits in the overlap pushes students past memorized lists into genuine structural comparison, including the common misconception that only animal cells have mitochondria.

What’s included:

• One-page Venn diagram sorting worksheet with a 12-phrase word bank table
• Complete answer key with every phrase placed in the correct region
• Large, easy-to-write-in circles

Perfect for: cell structure units, review before a cells test, sub plans, interactive notebooks, or formative assessment in grades 6–8 life science. Supports NGSS MS-LS1-2. Print and go — no prep required.