Build-A-Cell

Summary

AI-generated from vendor-published content · May 23, 2026

Build-A-Cell is a tactile science kit that lets students explore the structures of bacterial, animal, and plant cells through hands-on, touch-based learning. It's designed for students who are blind or have low vision and need to access biology content that is typically taught through visual diagrams and microscope imagery. The kit includes tactile representations of organelles and cell components that can be physically assembled and compared across the three cell types — making abstract microscopic concepts concrete and accessible. This is a complete, self-contained educational kit from APH, though a teacher or TVI (teacher of students with visual impairments) will typically facilitate its use in a science curriculum context. It works best as a classroom supplement rather than a standalone study tool.

What Setup Looks Like

• Out of the box
  Open the kit and use the included tactile components to identify and sort cell organelles by touch.
• With a guide
  
  1. Review the included instructional guide to understand the intended lesson sequences for bacterial, animal, and plant cell comparisons.
  2. Organize components by cell type before beginning activities — allow 15-20 minutes for initial sorting and familiarization. See manufacturer support resources for detailed instructions.
• With professional help
  
  1. A Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) or science teacher should integrate this kit into the curriculum and provide guided exploration alongside biology instruction.
  2. Expect 1-2 prep sessions to align kit activities with grade-level science standards before classroom use.

Where to Get It

Some links may be affiliate links — WhatCanHelp may earn a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you. More on affiliates →