St. Edward the Confessor 7th grader depicts cellular functions, LEGO style

Above: Luke Roberts recently built a creative, LEGO-based model of the organelles of an animal cell. Each component was designed to suggest the function of each cell part. Paper labels flip open to explain the symbols. (Photos by Beth Donze, Clarion Herald)

By BETH DONZE
Clarion Herald

Luke Roberts estimates that if he were to place all of his LEGOs, side by side, on the floor of his playroom, they would create a plastic “carpet” just under two inches deep.

Last month, in response to a life science assignment to produce a model showing the parts of a cell, the St. Edward the Confessor seventh grader decided to forgo the usual poster board and clay and use LEGOs to construct a small token symbolizing the function of each cell part – or “organelle.”

For example, Luke built a generator to represent the role of a cell’s energy-producing mitochondria; an oven for the endoplasmic reticulum – the protein-making “bakery” of a cell; a mail room for the Golgi apparatus, responsible for delivering  proteins and molecules to the cell; a locker room to symbolize the storage function of the vacuoles; and a wheelbarrow being pushed by a LEGO figure – to illustrate how lysosomes recycle old proteins and rid the cell of waste products.

A wall of LEGOs forms the perimeter of Luke’s project, mimicking the protective role of the cell membrane.

“I have had a love for LEGOs ever since I was about 4,” said Luke, a LEGO “freestyler” who enjoys dreaming up robots, monsters, spaceships, seaships and mechs  – robot suits that people can climb into and operate.

“When I think about what I’m about to build, I see it in my mind and start building,” he said. “The building part is fun, but playing with your creation is the best!”

Given his creativity and problem-solving skills, it comes as no surprise that the 13-year-old – who also enjoys being a St. Edward  altar server, robotics club member, reading the “Wings of Fire” series of books and playing Minecraft – plans on pursuing a career in engineering.

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