The Science of Coronaviruses
Paper Modeling Activities
Part 1: Build a Coronavirus
Coronaviruses are envelope viruses surrounded by a spherical membrane with a viral genome inside and a spike protein outside. In this activity you will create your own coronavirus. Our paper model provided below can be printed, cut and folded into a 3D physical representation of the virus that you will modify as you move through parts 2, 3 and 4 of the Science of Coronaviruses series. You can also draw your own coronavirus.
Color Coronavirus Model PDF
Black and White Coronavirus Model PDF (Use colored pencils to color your model if you wish)
Coronavirus Drawing Guide PDF (Use this guide to draw your own coronavirus. You will need paper, pencil and a ruler)
Paper Model Instructional Video
Part 2: Build the Host Cell
In order to replicate, the coronavirus must attach to a host cell and puncture a hole in its membrane, allowing it to inject its viral genome. In this activity, you can print, color or draw your own host cell membrane.
Our paper model provided below can be printed, cut and folded into a 3-dimensional physical representation of the host cell. You can also draw your own host cell.
Color Host Cell Model PDF
Black and White Host Cell Model PDF (Use colored pencils to color your model if you wish)
Host Cell Drawing Guide PDF (Use this guide to draw your own host cell. You will need paper, pencil and a ruler)
Part 3: Build the Viral Genome
Once attached to a host cell, the coronavirus injects its viral genome.
Our paper model provided below can be printed, cut and folded into a 3-dimensional physical representation of the viral genome and used to demonstrate the translation and post-translational cutting of the coronavirus. You can also draw your own genome.
Color Viral Genome Model PDF
Black and White Viral Genome Model PDF (Use colored pencils to color your model if you wish)
Viral Genome Drawing Guide PDF (Use this guide to draw your own genome. You will need paper, pencil and a ruler)
Viral Genome Instructional Video
Part 4: Build Antibodies and Antiviral Drugs
Our bodies can produce antibodies able to identify and defend against coronavirus infections, and small molecule antiviral drugs that can interrupt the virus replication process.
Our paper activity provided below can be printed and cut into 3-dimensional physical representations of antibodies and antiviral drugs. You can also draw your own.
Color Antibodies and Antiviral Drug Models PDF
Black and White Antibodies and Antiviral Drug Models PDF (Use colored pencils to color your models if you wish)
Antibodies and Antiviral Drug Models Drawing Guide PDF (Use this guide to draw your own antibodies and antiviral drugs. You will need paper, pencil and a ruler)