This module includes hands-on and inquiry-based activities related to the processes of meiosis and gamete formation. Using yarn and pop beads, students will simulate the changes in chromosome pairs during the various stages of meiosis. The students will use Playdough to model the formation of the sperm and egg cells. Students will denote the differences in cytokinesis and explain the reasoning for the differences.
This module provides three different methods for learning about mitosis and includes hands-on, inquiry-based activities. Students will prepare and examine slides of their cheek cells and compare them to those of other students. This will demonstrate the relationship between the structure and function of cells and the similarity of the same types of cells within the same species. Using yarn and popsicle sticks, students will model and explain each of the stages of mitosis. The students will observe prepared slides of onion root tips and whitefish blastula to discover the differences in mitosis in plant and animal cells.
In this learning experience, students will gather information on an index card during a gallery walk to distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Students will describe the characteristics and structures unique to prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Additionally, students will explain the visual representations of different cells and determine whether they are prokaryotic or eukaryotic.
This learning activity was created as a result of the ALEX - Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) Resource Development Summit.
In this learning experience, students will describe the characteristics and structures unique to prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Students will utilize their learning from the associated during activity to explain the visual representations of different cells and determine whether they are prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Students will record their findings on a Venn diagram.
Students will use evidence and reasoning to construct an explanation describing the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. During this learning experience, the students will watch a video from Britannica Middle School to learn more about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and add the information to their K-W-L chart. The activity culminates with a class discussion of the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
In this lesson, students explore the various ways in which organisms reproduce. Students discuss the role reproduction plays in the cycle of life. They observe that no individual organism lives forever and that, to carry on their species, organisms must pass their genetic instructions on to the next generation. They learn that single-celled organisms reproduce asexually, by dividing and producing two identical copies of themselves. They learn that many plants reproduce sexually, often using complex strategies that have evolved over millions of years. Finally, they explore the pros and cons of asexual and sexual reproduction and the reasons both strategies persist.
In this interactive lesson, students learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the two basic forms of reproduction. Students develop their literacy skills as they scientifically explore sexual and asexual reproduction. During this process, they read informational text, learn and practice vocabulary words (reproduction, offspring, traits, clone, genes, natural selection), and explore content through video and interactive activities.
