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 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.
This lesson will introduce students to the step-by-step phases of mitosis in an effort to imprint on the mind the idea that each cell is highly organized. Prior to this lesson, students should have discussed both plant and animal cell structures. If they haven't, focus students solely on animal cells throughout the lesson.
This is the first of two lessons about reproduction in plants. This lesson covers how most plants normally reproduce--sexually. Students will learn the parts of the flower and the process of sexual reproduction in plants. The second Science NetLinks lesson in this series, Plants 2: Plant Propagation, teaches how plants can be forced to reproduce asexually.
This lesson is the second in a two-part series on plants. In these lessons, students research and carry out reproduction in plants and come to understand that most plants reproduce sexually, but can be forced to reproduce asexually. The first lesson in the series, Plants 1: Plant Parents, discusses sexual reproduction in plants, while this lesson discusses asexual reproduction.
