WORKSHOP SCHOOL
Overview
Students modeled meiosis using poster boards, pipe cleaners, and markers to visualize chromosome replication, crossing over, independent assortment, and cell division. By building each stage, they explored how meiosis creates genetic diversity and differs from mitosis, linking chromosome behavior to offspring variability.
Objectives
Learn about the distinction between meiosis vs mitosis
Purpose of meiosis for reproduction and contribution to genetic diversity (e.g. crossing over, independent assortment)
Distinction between haploid/diploid and various forms of DNA
Learn about all phases and stages of meiosis
Materials
Poster boards x 3-4
Tape
Pipe cleaners (32 per table, 4-5 groups)
2 set colors
Markers or colored pencils (draw cells & arrows on poster board)
Workshop Outline
Please use this link to view the full outline for this workshop. A sample of the outline is provided below.
Intro
Cells divide to produce new cells for growth and reproduction
Meiosis creates gametes (sperm/egg) and increases genetic diversity
Crossing over and independent assortment make offspring genetically unique
Walk through slides overview to explain the stages and purpose of meiosis
Activity
Modeling Meiosis
Chromosomes = pipe cleaners
Homologous pairs = different colors
Cell = circle drawn on poster board
Labels = markers/construction paper
Students start by drawing a blank cell and then model each step of meiosis, understanding what happens to the chromosomes in each step.
Presentation
Please use this link to view the full slides presentation for this workshop. A sample of the presentation is provided below.
