Mysterious Mitosis
by Courtney Storer, courtney.storer@cpsb.org

Content Area(s)
Art
English/Language Arts
Science

Grade Level(s)
7, 

Overview
One of the most important areas of study in 7th grade Life Science centers around the study of the cell, with special emphasis placed on the process of cellular division known as "Mitosis." This concept is not an easy one, and to most students, it is an unfamiliar one. Using handheld computers to describe, illustrate (animate), and discuss the phases of mitosis should aide the students in gaining a much clearer understanding of this rather complicated, yet intriguing process of life.

Software
Sketchy
Word to Go
Notepad
What If Builder….?

Technology
9 or more available Zire handheld computers (or other palms)

Teacher-produced 3-dimensional poster models of “Phases of Mitosis”

Desktop computers/USB cables for Hotsync

Objectives
•TLW recognize that cells go through growth and division.
•TLW name the phases of mitosis in order.
•TLW describe the characteristics associated with each of the phases of mitosis.
•TLW illustrate (animate) and label the phases of mitosis.
•TLW use critical thinking skills in response to a question related to the process of mitosis.

Procedures
DAY #1
1.The teaching of the concept of mitosis follows the introduction of cell parts, and cell processes, so the students will already have some background before approaching another realm of cellular Information. The teacher will pose the question, “Have you ever thought about how we grow? Do you think it could have something to do with our cells?” Ask students to brainstorm and record their thoughts on the question in Notepad.
2.Students will share their responses to the teacher’s questions. The teacher will then hold up 2 posters- one of interphase (the period of time when the cell grows) and one of telophase (the phase when one cell becomes two.) She will then explain that the cell must move from interphase to telophase through a series of 3 phases in between. Demonstrating with poster cards, students will identify structural changes in the cell as it goes through the phases. (Teacher will post the cardboard representations so students can view them.)
3.Students will then be instructed on how they will use Sketchy to illustrate, and animate the phases of Mitosis. Directions below:
"Using Sketchy"

The Sketchy program lets students draw and animate figures. Here's how it works:
I. Open Sketchy.
II. Tap "New" to create a new animation.
III.Click the pencil icon on the lower left to select a drawing tool.
IV. Use the stylus to draw the phases of mitosis- each phase will be drawn in a separate frame and titled.
V. Advance to the next frame and draw a similar picture, changing phase’s appearance.
VI. Repeat until you have the desired number of phases for your animation.
VII.Add color and/or texture to the phases using the drawing tools at the bottom of the screen.
VIII.To see your animation, tap the pulldown menu and select "Play Animation.”

4.Students will share their Sketchy animations of mitosis to each other through beaming activities. Students will be able to correct phase representations if needed.

DAY #2
1. Working in pairs, students will review the animations of Mitosis from previous day with each other. The students will open their Word to Go application, then describe the appearances and occurrences of each phase on individual handhelds (or in pairs depending on number of handhelds available). Early finishers may hotsync the information to the computers for teacher review- saved to individual folders. Others may check out handhelds, complete and return as homework to sync the next day.
2. End of period will be used to have students respond to, “What if the chromosomes did not double during mitosis?” Students may share their responses with each other.
Extensions:
•Students could make Inspiration charts of the Phases of Mitosis for study.
•Teacher could utilize Quizzler for assessment of students’ understanding of Mitosis.
•Integration of Math: Students could use handheld calculators to determine the answer to questions posed by the teacher such as-“How many cells would be produced from one embryo cell after four hours, if it takes 15 minutes for each one to divide?” and others.

Other Supporting Material

Submitted on: 8/4/2004 9:11:34 PM