Categories: 6th Grade | 7th Grade | 8th Grade | ESL | Science
Estimated Time: 30-40 minutes
Materials Needed: Post-it® Super Sticky Notes 2 x 2, Drawing utencil
Materials Needed:
- Post-it® Super Sticky Notes 2 x 2
- Drawing utencil
Description:
Using a stack of Post-it® Notes, draw a picture of a cell in each stage of the cell cycle (mitosis) on each successive page. Flip through the Post-it Notes to watch an animation of the cell dividing.
Instructions:
Step 1: Obtain necessary materials including a pack of Post-it Note (13 sheets) and a drawing utencil. **Do not pull notes apart.
Step 2: On the first note page, draw a cell (choose either plant or animal) in interphase.
Step 3: On the second note page, draw a cell (in approximatly the same spot as the cell on the first page) in early prophase. Continue with the next page (page 3) as middle prophase and the following page (page 4) as late prophase.
Step 4: On the fifth note page draw a cell in Metaphase. Continue on the sixth note page with early Anaphase and on the seventh and eighth note pages with middle and late Anaphase.
Step 5: On note page nine, draw early Telophase. Again, continue on the 11th and 12th pages with middle and late Telophase. End on the 13th page with a drawing of cytokinesis, where the cell is split into two cells.
Step 6: When all of the pictures are drawn, flip through the pages to watch your animation of a cell dividing!
Afterwards:
Objective: 6.02 Analyze structures, functions, and processes within animal cells for: Capture and release of energy. Feedback information. Dispose of wastes. Reproduction. Movement. Specialized needs. 6.04 Conclude that animal cells carry on complex chemical processes to balance the needs of the organism. Cells grow and divide to produce more cells. Cells take in nutrients to make the energy for the work cells do. Cells take in materials that a cell or an organism needs.
Lesson Extensions: This project can be used to supplement lessons on cells and processes that support cells. It can lead into the topic of genetics.
Supporting All Learners: This is an excellent project for hands-on learners of any academic level. The drawings needed are simple enough - even for students who are not good drawers. It offers a good visual stimulus for students to relate to the overall process so they can "watch" the cell divide, not just read about it. It encourages higher level thinking.
Assignment/Home Connection: This is a great addition to any home assignments given on mitosis. Again, by watching the process students will add a perspective onto their learning. They can use their supplement to aid in their assignments.
