To model a cell, students made cool models, some even baked a cake

From three-dimensional models to intricate drawings to even a cake or two, Columbia Falls sixth grade students found inventive ways to illustrate the parts of plants and animal cells as part of a science project over the past few weeks.

Teachers Kristy Gange and Josie Brown gave their students the challenge of finding a way to illustrate the organelles of plant and animal cells with whatever they could find.

The projects were not intended to cost money and students found many unique ways to represent the cells.

“There were a lot of really nice projects this year. You can look at them and tell that a lot of hard work went into them. Most of the kids this year took their projects above and beyond what was required, which was really cool,” Gange said. “It’s a unique, hands-on way for them to study for the test and have a better understanding of the material. Almost everyone who did the project on their own, without too much parent help, passed the test. It’s a really nice way of reinforcing the material through a hands-on activity.”

Straws, beads, sponges, pipe cleaners and more could be found representing cell parts in three-dimensional models while others used detailed drawings to great effect.

“The models are great, but I also like that kids took the time to draw. Some of the drawings that were turned in were amazing,” Brown said. “I think it is a great opportunity for kids to not only build skills at school but to also share that learning at home. It is a good connection with parents on what their kids are learning in school. I had several kids who were very excited because it was the first time they had gotten to work with their parent on a project for school.”

The students had two and a half weeks to finish their projects.