Let me start off by saying that I LOVE HANDS-ON LEARNING! I mean, I try and integrate some kind of manipulative into every lesson, every day.  I truly believe that it is vital for students to physically manipulate the information they learn, whether that is through a lab, card sort, models, or interactive notebook activity.

As I began to plan my Meiosis unit for this year, I really contemplated on how I could effectively integrate a meiosis models lab into the unit.  In the past, I have had students create models as I moved around the room to check for accuracy and misconceptions.  While this has worked in the past, this year I wanted to build upon this to create a learning opportunity that fosters hands-on learning, but also encourages student creativity and enables me to get a complete picture of their understanding of meiosis.  From this…my Meiosis Models Project was developed.

Here is a breakdown of how I did this in my classroom…

I gathered the following supplies:
-A chromosome modeling kit from Carolina Biological (but you could just as easily modify this using pipe cleaners, beads, etc.)
-Neon Dry Erase Markers

I instructed groups to create models of each of the 8 phases of Meiosis, including Prophase 1, Metaphase 1, Anaphase 1, Telophase 1, Prophase 2, Metaphase 2, Anaphase 2, and Telophase 2.  Students were instructed to label each phase and clearly demonstrate synapsis, crossing over, and independent assortment.  After modeling each phase and labeling the correct parts, they took a picture of that phase.  At the end, they had 9 total pictures (one for each phase except for Prophase 1 they took 2, one before crossing over and one after).

 

 

 

 

 

 

After each group completed creating their models and snapping the pictures of each phase, I had them Air Drop the pictures to me.

We are a Google district.  So we use Google Drive and Google Classroom.  I created a new folder within Google Drive titled “2nd Period Meiosis Models” and within that folder, created an additional folder for each lab group.  Then I simply uploaded each groups pictures to their folder, and created a shareable link that can be accessed by anyone who has the link and is logged in to their district Google account.

Next, I created an assignment in Google Classroom and added the link to the class folder.  Students then created a Google Slide presentation and added their photos to each slide, along with a description of the phase of meiosis pictured.  Once completed, I had each group present their presentation to the class as they explained the process of meiosis.

To sum it up, students not only created models, they also described, discussed, and explained the phases of meiosis during this assignment.  I loved seeing my students engaged and collaborating! This is an assignment I will continue to use year after year!

If you have any questions about this post, please comment or email me at mrsvbiology@gmail.com