“Cell” the Idea of 3D Modeling at St. Anne

Student engagement is a primary focus for the staff at St. Anne Catholic School in Hanmer. Recently, students in Grade 8 have been focusing on the components of plant and animal cells in science class. They have noticed that there are major similarities and differences between the two types of cells through the creation of 3D models. One of the similarities includes the nucleus, the brain of the cell. Students also noticed some differences, such as the cell wall of the plant. Students soon realized that cells function differently because they come in various different types. “Making plant and animal cells helped me understand what was actually in them, because I was physically creating a 3D model,” said Isaac Oliveira, a Grade 8 student at St. Anne Catholic School. Now, students use technology to describe their understanding of the 3D models. They use Screen Chomp to help with their descriptions and to demonstrate their understanding.