Cell Division

A WebQuest for 9-12th Grade

Designed by

Connie Schultz

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page

Introduction

Help!! It is time for Cindy the Cell to divide and she seems to be confused as to what order cell division should go in. Cindy is quite a diva and very headstrong and will need the help of an excellent director to organize the steps correctly. Your job is to learn about the cell and help “direct” Cindy in the correct direction.

The Task

In order to direct Cindy, you will need to use a variety of resources. You will need to use your prior knowledge of cell division, your book, and the internet as a resource.

Included in this WebQuest will be a variety of websites you may want to look at. While you are looking up this information you will need to take a few notes. These notes will help you direct Cindy as you progress though the website.

Information that you need to take note of:

  • STEPS OF THE CELL CYCLE
  • STAGES OF MITOSIS AND WHAT OCCURS IN EACH STAGE
  • STAGES OF MEIOSIS AND WHAT OCCURS IN EACH STAGE
  • CYTOKINESIS- HOW DOES IT DIFFER IN A PLANT AND ANIMAL CELL?

The Process

A good director would start by learning a little bit about the cell cycle. You may want to look at some of the following sites. You should be able to answer the following questions when finished.

1. WHAT ARE THE STEPS IN THE CELL CYCLE?

2. WHAT ARE CHECKPOINTS AND WHAT OCCURS AT EACH CHECKPOINT IN THE CELL CYCLE?

NOW THAT YOU KNOW THIS, TRY PLAYING THE FOLLOWING GAME ABOUTH THE CELL CYCLE.

Now that you know about the cell cycle, it is time to learn about mitosis and meiosis. Cindy the cell is very stubborn. She wants to keep her thin, sleek look.

She refuses to allow her chromosomes to shorten, thicken and condense down. In what stage of mitosis would this occur?

Use the following links to find out.

Now you have learned everything you need to know about the cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis. See if you can find the correct way to direct Cindy concerning the following items.

  1. Cindy does not want to stop for checkpoint 2. What kind of result could occur from this? Direct hertoward the next step.
  2. In what stage would Cindy become shorter, thicker, and condensed?
  3. Cindy does not want to share her part with anyone.

You need to direct her into sharing her part. (i.e. separating the chromosome). Where should this take place?

  1. Now it’s time for Cindy to take your new play

“On the Road”. This will mean creating a whole new

cast. It is important to you that the new cast of actors is exactly like the old group of actors. Would this most likely be a play about mitosis or meiosis? How do you know?

All that is left is hiring the new cast (i.e cytoplasmic division) use the following site to understand the steps in creating a new cast (cell division)

For your last activity you will be creating an actor’s portfolio for Cindy. She will need pictures of her in each of the stages of mitosis and meiosis. Let your creativity flow as you draw each of the stages. Label all the pertinent parts of the cell.

Evaluation

Your Grade will be based on the following rubric. It will be based on the notes that you took during the WebQuest, as well as your ability to answer the questions appropriately.

Beginning
1 / Developing
2 / Accomplished
3 / Exemplary
4 / Score
Appropriate notes taken / Few notes taken. / Small amount of notes taken. / A reasonable amount of notes taken. / Excellent notes taken covering all material.
Questions answered appropriately / Few questions answered, many incorrect answers, very little understanding of the material. / Some questions answered, some incorrect answers indicating lack of understanding of the material. / Most questions answered, a general knowledge of material is demonstrated. / All questions answered.
Student demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the material.
Drawings / Only a portion of drawings completed. No effort or creativity demonstrated by student. / Most of the drawing are completed. Some labels used. Some effort put into creativity by student. / Drawings with labels are completed. Student shows creativity. / Drawing with labels are completed. Student demonstrates knowledge and creativity with drawings.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have completed a study of cell division. If you are interested in doing further research you may consider such topics as:

  • What happens when an error occurs in cell division during mitosis?
  • What causes cancer?
  • What are some genetic disorders that occur as a result of errors during meiosis

Credits & References

Last updated on July 10, 2008. Based on a template from The WebQuest Page