What materials can I use in a kids project to simulate simple cell biology? A colleague of mine has a kid in junior high school (she is 13 for context). She has a project where she needs to make a simulation of cell structure and components. Similar to the example image below:



Image from tyrocity.com

What she wants to do is make something where she can suspend objects inside a transparent medium. That medium should be able to be handled and not fall apart easily (or at all). The material should support a mold so that the shape of the end result can be controlled (like a muffin tray or cake pan). Since this is for a kids project cost will be a factor as well. 

Jello or gelatin seems like a simple choice except for the fact that it would be too fragile to handle. I had initially thought about resins but the cost would be a factor for a simple project like this. 

Given the loose criteria above what could we use to make a "cell" and suspend some object inside it. (She was going to use candy to represent the various parts!)
This is seems like a good application of DIY sensory bags 

You fill a zip bag with hair gel, whatever objects you want inside, and food coloring if desired. We seal the tops of the bag with colored tape. 

We've filled them with toys, beads, glitter and whatever plastic or waterproof objects we have on hand. Even cut off pieces of drinking straws can work. In this case, whatever resembles cell anatomy. 

You can double bag them for more durability. They're able to withstand most handling, except for certain bites from toddlers (so teens should have no issue).