Educational resources for teaching mitosis are available through various online platforms that offer free materials, hands-on activities, and digital tools. These resources are designed to help students in grades 7 through 12 visualize and understand the process of cell division. Materials range from worksheets and flip books to interactive webquests and lab activities, catering to different learning styles and classroom needs.
Hands-On Mitosis Activities
Several sources provide hands-on activities to make the abstract concept of mitosis more tangible for students. One notable activity uses Oreo cookies to model the stages of cell division. This resource requires simple materials such as Oreo cookies, rod-shaped sprinkles, icing, toothpicks, small cups, spoons, paper, and colored pencils. The activity is intended to help students visualize and clarify misconceptions about mitosis and cytokinesis by allowing them to explore and process the parts of cell division. A key is included with this resource.
Another hands-on tool is the Mitosis Flip Book Activity, which is designed to engage students creatively by having them create a flip book that illustrates the process of mitosis. This activity addresses common struggles students face in remembering phase names and events, providing a study tool that aids in comprehension. It is suitable for students who have difficulty with memorization and conceptual understanding of the topic.
For a more traditional laboratory approach, a free microscope-based lab activity allows students to identify stages of mitosis using prepared slides. This lab includes an observation and drawing section where students sketch each stage (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase) and a microscope analysis task. This activity is adaptable to different budgets and class sizes, making it a flexible option for science classrooms.
Digital and Printable Worksheets
Printable and digital worksheets are widely available for practice and assessment. One worksheet is described as perfect for helping students learn and review mitosis, suitable for science class practice, quick assessments, quizzes, station work, homework, or lesson plan supplements. This resource is available as a Word document and Google Slides link, and an answer key is provided.
Another worksheet, intended for grade 11-12 students following the Alberta Grade 12 curriculum, requires students to compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis. It includes misconception-busting questions, addressing common misunderstandings such as the definitions of diploid and haploid. This table helps students understand that these terms are relative and not fixed to specific numbers like 46 and 23.
A crossword puzzle resource focuses on important terms related to cell division, including phases, chromosome behavior, and processes like crossing over. This is part of a collection of free student handouts designed to accompany Amoeba Sisters videos on YouTube. The handouts are freely available on the Amoeba Sisters website, with answer keys sold separately on Teachers Pay Teachers.
Comparative Studies: Mitosis vs. Meiosis
Resources that compare mitosis and meiosis are also available. One engaging resource allows students to practice comparing the two processes using a Venn-diagram card sort. This covers vocabulary such as haploid, diploid, gamete, somatic cell, crossing over, and genetic differences. The resource includes a 15-term card sort with a key, an exit ticket, and a digital version of both components. It is aligned with TEKS and STAAR standards and is editable via Google Slides.
Additionally, a table-based activity requires students to compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis, incorporating questions to bust misconceptions. This is designed for higher-level students to deepen their understanding of genetic variation and cell division purposes.
Webquests and Review Games
Webquests provide an interactive way for students to explore mitosis and meiosis using online resources. One webquest allows students to use three internet sites to review these topics, define and diagram the stages of mitosis, and explain the stages of meiosis using diagrams. This activity helps students answer cell-related questions and fosters independent research skills.
For review, a hands-on game is described as engaging and competitive, suitable for students of various ability levels. This review game helps reinforce concepts in a dynamic classroom setting, though specific details about the game mechanics are not provided in the source material.
Bundled Resources and Teacher Support
Some educators offer bundled resources that include multiple materials for a comprehensive unit on mitosis. One such bundle includes a free lab, a PowerPoint slideshow presentation, and other supplementary materials. This bundle is designed to provide a complete teaching package for mitosis lessons, with the option to join an email list for access to freebies.
Another comprehensive unit of work includes a keywords flap book, cell cycle summary mat, mitosis summary mat, mitosis activity, differences during telophase (plant vs. animal cell), and a mitosis card sort. This resource is available for download, and potential buyers are encouraged to download a freebie to assess quality before purchasing.
Educational Content and Videos
Educational content extends beyond worksheets to include songs and videos. One resource suggests using a song where "Cell Division" becomes a rapper, detailing the parts of mitosis, chromosomes, and the connection to cancer. Students are encouraged to make hand signals to represent different stages, enhancing kinesthetic learning.
The Amoeba Sisters YouTube channel offers a mitosis video accompanied by free handouts. These handouts are available on their website and are designed to complement the video content, providing a structured way for students to follow along and learn.
Conclusion
The available free educational resources for teaching mitosis are diverse, offering hands-on activities, digital worksheets, comparative studies, webquests, and bundled units. These materials cater to a range of grade levels from 7th to 12th grade and cover various aspects of mitosis and related topics like meiosis and the cell cycle. Educators can access these resources through platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers, individual educator websites, and dedicated science education sites. Many resources include answer keys, are aligned with educational standards, and are adaptable to different classroom settings and budgets.