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Christine Erickson's 7th grade science students at North Branch Area Middle School spent the week, before the holiday break, creating Mega Cell 2010. Mega Cell is a giant re-creation of a cell, using Christmas lights as the cytoplasm, and everyday objects to depict the building blocks of life. For instance, one student used a jersey from New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady to depict mitochondria, which provide cells the energy they need to move and divide. Seventh grade student Robert Ingersoll took a break from showing fifth graders the Mega Cell to explain that vacuoles provide storage for cells, allowing them to safely store waste products and water. Using items that are familiar to students to depict the various aspects and functions of a cell is a way to put science into terms they understand and increase learning and retention. A Tom Brady jersey depicts mitochondria in Mega Cell 2010. Other items used included a mop, flotation tubes, a Barbie doll, balloons, and photographs.

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