The new semester has begun, BCOS students’ schoolwork life is back on the right track. In order to enable students to better understand and grasp the cell organelles, the biology teacher, Mr. C, assigned his students in grade 12 an interesting hands-on assignment: making 3D cell models. 

At first, the students divided themselves into groups of two or three and enthusiastically discussed the materials needed to make models of animal or plant cells, and everyone was looking forward to trying.

During the class, students took the prepared materials and started to make cell models carefully according to the patterns in the textbook. Some groups chose to use ultralight clay for their organelles, while others chose plasticine. Remarkably, some groups used tiny sequins and beads as the organelles that had similar shapes and outlooks.

The division of labour in each group was reasonable and orderly, and it didn’t take long for there to be many elaborate “mitochondria” or “Centrioles” on every group’s desk. The students carefully placed each small finished product in the container and placed the corresponding position according to the figure.

Most of the work was basically completed under the efficient classroom cooperation of students, and further details were finished in our spare time. Labels were made on each organelle to make these cell models look complete and beautiful.

This special experience allowed students to make cell models in a relaxed and pleasant way, and at the same time, they also had a better understanding of the knowledge they needed to master. 

One of our classmate Maggie said: “It was the first teamwork assignment we have had in Biology class, and what I have gained was not only the in-depth study of the structure and function of animal and plant cells, but also improved communication skills with team members and the experience of working together. Because this activity involved hands-on practice as well as the accumulation of knowledge, it was quite meaningful to me.”

by Kelsey (Grade 12)