Modeling Mitosis

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

In this activity, students will watch a YouTube video on mitosis and will then explore mitosis through modeling of the process with neon Expo markers and modeling clay/play-doh.

This activity is a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Phase

Before/Engage
During/Explore/Explain
Science (2015) Grade(s): 09-12 - Biology

SC15.BIO.4

Develop and use models to explain the role of the cell cycle during growth and maintenance in multicellular organisms (e.g., normal growth and/or uncontrolled growth resulting in tumors).

UP:SC15.BIO.4

Vocabulary

  • Cell cycle
  • Chromosome
  • Somatic cell
  • Chromatin
  • Spindle fibers
  • Kinetochore microtubules
  • Centrioles
  • Centrosome
  • Centromere
  • Sister chromatids
  • Mitosis
  • Prometaphase
  • Prophase
  • Metaphase
  • Metaphase plate
  • Anaphase
  • Telophase
  • Cytokinesis
  • Cell plate
  • Cleavage furrow
  • Interphase
  • S phase
  • G1
  • G2
  • Growth
  • Maintenance
  • Checkpoints
  • Signaling factors

Knowledge

Students know:
  • The phases of the cell cycle (Interphase-G1, S, and G2 phases, Mitosis and cytokenisis), the amount of time spent in each cycle and what occurs during each cycle.
  • The process of cell cycle regulation.
  • Mechanisms, checkpoints and signaling factor molecules that regulate the cell cycle.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Generate a graphic illustrating the amount of time a cell spends in each phase of the cell cycle.
  • Observe video, image or microscope slide and identify cells in each phase, relative abundance, and estimate the time spent in each phase.
  • Obtain and communicate information about the relationship between the cell cycle and the growth and maintenance of an organism.
  • Illustrate chromosome behavior during mitosis using chromosome models.
  • Distinguish between replicated and un-replicated chromosomes.
  • Demonstrate the events and cellular processes involved in each stage of mitosis.
  • Investigate the impact of errors in the process of cell division.
  • Identify the basic mechanisms, checkpoints, and general categories of signaling factor molecules (both internal and external).
  • Relate errors in control mechanisms to uncontrolled cell growth (cancer).

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • The cell cycle is necessary for growth and maintenance in multi-cellular organisms.
  • Mitosis only makes somatic (body) cells.
  • Errors in control mechanisms within the cell cycle lead to uncontrolled cell growth (cancer).

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Developing and Using Models

Crosscutting Concepts

Systems and System Models

Learning Objectives

The student will develop a model of mitosis using neon Expo markers and modeling clay/play-doh to explore and explain the process.  

Activity Details

The students will watch the YouTube video "Mitosis: The Amazing Cell Process that Uses Division to Multiply!" by the Amoeba Sisters. This video will introduce the process of mitosis. The students will then use neon Expo markers and modeling clay/play-doh to model each step of mitosis. Using the neon Expo markers, students will draw the cell and any necessary cell structures that are seen in each particular stage of mitosis (ex. prophase - cell membrane, centrioles, nuclear envelope beginning to dissolve, etc.). The students will also write each aspect/step of the particular phase of mitosis. The students will then use play-doh/modeling clay to model what is happening with the chromosomes in each stage of mitosis. The students will title each step of mitosis (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase) along with cytokinesis and describe the process(es) taking place during that particular stage of mitosis or cytokinesis. Each stage's drawing will include all structures of the cell in that particular stage (nuclear membrane, spindle, etc.) and have them labeled. 

Student Instruction Document

Assessment Strategies

The teacher can use the Amoeba Sisters Mitosis Video Recap worksheet after viewing the video for a summative or formative assessment. It can be found on the following website (https://www.amoebasisters.com/handouts.html).

The teacher can summatively assess the students at the end of the activity. The assessment requirements are included in the Student Instruction Document (located above). They are as follows: 

Students will be assessed by the teacher determining if the model meets the following criteria.

  1. Stages of mitosis are in the correct order
  2. Stages of mitosis are properly labeled
  3. Stages of mitosis processes are correctly described
  4. Cell components/structures labeled properly
  5. Chromosome modeling is correct

Variation Tips

1.  If neon Expo markers and/or play-doh or clay are not available, butcher paper and regular markers could be used.  

2.  The teacher could use this activity for a review activity instead of an explore and explain the activity.

3.  Students could be placed in groups of 5 to have all four stages of mitosis and cytokinesis represented in each group, and each student in the group would be assigned a specific stage of mitosis or cytokinesis. The students would complete their specific stage and then the students in each group would explain the process, in the correct order, to each other. This would be the more ideal situation for teachers on a class time shorter than a block.

4.  This activity can be used to model the process of meiosis as well.

Background / Preparation

The teacher will need to gather all supplies needed for the activity (clay or play-doh and neon Expo markers). The teacher may want to display a slide or picture of the process for the students to reference.

Mitosis: The Amazing Cell Process that Uses Division to Multiply! Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-ldPgEfAHI

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

rshelton
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