Great Inexpensive Resource for the Classroom

As a fiber artist (I knit, sew and spin wool into yarn), the title of this article appealed to me right away. Sometimes the “quilting” activities I read about seem arbitrary and irrelevant,... See More

As a fiber artist (I knit, sew and spin wool into yarn), the title of this article appealed to me right away. Sometimes the “quilting” activities I read about seem arbitrary and irrelevant, but using fabric to create a cell model in the classroom is a great idea. Advantages include the wide variety of fiber to use: netting for the semi-permeable cell membrane, yarn and beads for dna strands, etc. In an elementary school classroom, a cell “quilt” or cell “quilt” pillows would be a great addition to the reading corner of the classroom.

Another good analogy to help students

The fabric model is another great analogy to help students conceptualize cell organelles. The model isn't perfect, but the author does note areas where misconceptions can arise, and these a... See More

The fabric model is another great analogy to help students conceptualize cell organelles. The model isn't perfect, but the author does note areas where misconceptions can arise, and these are important to note. You might even be able to integrate this activity and have the sewing class create these for you!

Fabric Cell Model is cost effective

This article presents an activity where students construct a model of a cell using fabric and accessories. This activity allows students to go beyond the classroom, plastic cell model and c... See More

This article presents an activity where students construct a model of a cell using fabric and accessories. This activity allows students to go beyond the classroom, plastic cell model and create models they can manipulate. One very positive feature of this activity is the models are relatively inexpensive to create. The author also uses analogies in the choice of materials and design of the model. For example, the mitochondria can have a pocket where a battery can be inserted.