We kicked off the class period with an engaging science video from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon:

We then launched in to a continuation of Friday’s introduction to mitosis (click here for the slides).  Students reviewed their notes from the reading to discuss the entry task.  Next, students learned some key vocabulary terms for understanding and discussing mitosis.  Finally, we ended class with a Crash Course video about mitosis:

Students interested in learning more about the molecular biology of mitosis should check out this TED Talk from Drew Berry:

Today we launched into the study of mitosis by reading the first several pages of chapter 4 (Cellular Reproduction: Multiplication By Division) of Inside the Cell.   With the short class periods today, students were tasked with reading pages 46-51 and answering the following questions in their lab notebooks:

1. Explain the purpose of mitosis.
2. Which cells undergo mitosis?
3. Describe the phases of mitosis in detail (words and drawings).
4. Explain what happens when cells divide uncontrollably.  List the known causes of uncontrolled cell division.

This unit is focused specifically on NGSS Standard HS-LS1-4: Use a model to illustrate the role of cellular division (mitosis) and differentiation in producing and maintaining complex organisms.  Students have previously been assessed on their understanding of how cellular expression of specific gene products (proteins) can result in unique cell types, and groups of unique cell types can form tissues.  Students learned about body structure and organization during Unit 3, including the organization of cells into tissues and organs.  In this mini-unit, students will be able to clearly connect the process of mitosis (cell division) with tissue organization and organism development.