Lesson 1: Introduction

Lesson 1 : Introduction to Cell Division

Figure 10A

MINDS ON

Think-Pair-Share: In this activity, students will think about their answer to the question "Do you think your cells can change?" individually. The teacher may provide prompt follow-up questions including: "Do your cells grow?" The students will then turn to their elbow partner to discuss the question as a pair. Next, the class will share ideas as a group orally.
Because this is this start of the topic, it is a good idea to test the students' previous knowledge and exposure to mitosis and meiosis by doing an Anticipation Guide with the class. Students will read statements as a class and circle whether they agree or disagree with the statement. At the end of the lesson. Alternatively, the statements could be uploaded into PollEverywhere.com and the students could do a poll (via texting or tweeting) to say whether they agree or disagree with statements around cell division.
Another idea to assess student's previous knowledge and their interest in cell division is to ask students to complete a KWL Chart. Students will fill in what they Know, what they Want to know and then at the end of the unit you can revisit the chart and they can enter what they have Learned.

Figure 11A

PEDAGOGY

Students will need a review of basic terms associated with cell division including the cell structures and the cell theory. Moreover, you will want to remind students of where the cell's DNA is stored and how it is stored.
The teacher will want to review the differences between a bacteria cell, a plant cell and an animal cell.
The teacher will want to show the cell cycle (interphase, mitosis and cytokinesis) without too much detail on the phases of mitosis (that is Lesson # 2). Details can be given about what specific activities occur during interphase (G1, S, G2), mitosis (division of genetic material / nucleus) and cytokinesis (division of cytoplasm and rest of cell).
If time allows, the teacher can show spongelab interactive animations and manipulatives to ensure students are comfortable with the differences between cell types. Some good sponge lab activities (all found on the website) include: Build-A-Cell, The Interactive Microscope, Comparative Cell Division - Animal & Bacteria; Animal & Plant; Animal & Cancer.

Figure 12A

CONSOLIDATION

3-2-1 Card: Students can consolidate their understanding of the lesson for the teacher by completing a 3,2,1 card. They will answer the following:

3 things you learned
2 things you found interesting
1 question you still have
on a piece of paper and submit it to the teacher as their "exit card."

Figure 13A

ASSESSMENT
Diagnostic:

Formative: