Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | Cell Division

Objectives

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this lesson plan stage is to provide a clear and detailed understanding of the processes of cell division, essential for the development of practical skills needed in areas such as biotechnology and medicine. By understanding the mechanisms of mitosis and meiosis, students will be better prepared to apply this knowledge in practical situations and in the job market, promoting meaningful and contextualized learning.

Main Objectives

1. Understand how the process of cell division occurs and understand the cell cycle.

2. Differentiate between meiosis and mitosis by recognizing their characteristics and phases.

Side Objectives

1. Relate knowledge about cell division with practical applications in the job market, such as biotechnology and medicine.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

Purpose: The purpose of this lesson plan stage is to contextualize the importance of cell division in biology and its practical relevance, sparking students' interest through curiosities and an interactive initial activity. This establishes a solid foundation for understanding the concepts that will be explored throughout the lesson, connecting theoretical content with real-world applications in the job market.

Contextualization

Contextualization: Cell division is one of the most fundamental and intriguing processes in biology. Without it, life as we know it would not be possible. Every cell in our body, from the smallest to the most complex, results from a series of cell divisions. This mechanism allows for growth, tissue repair, and reproduction of organisms. Understanding cell division is essential for fields such as medicine, biotechnology, and scientific research, where knowledge of the cell cycle can lead to innovations in disease treatment, cloning, and genetic engineering.

Curiosities and Market Connection

Curiosities and Market Connection: Did you know that the study of cell division was crucial for the development of cancer treatments? Modern therapies often aim to interrupt the uncontrolled cell division typical of cancer cells. Moreover, in the field of biotechnology, understanding meiosis and mitosis is applied in the genetic manipulation of organisms for the production of medicines, vaccines, and even genetically modified foods. This knowledge is highly valued in the job market, where professionals skilled in cellular biology can work in research laboratories, pharmaceutical industries, and biotechnology companies.

Initial Activity

Initial Activity: To start the class, show a short video (3-5 minutes) about cell division, displaying real images obtained through microscopy of cells undergoing mitosis and meiosis. After the video, pose the following provocative question to the students: 'How can understanding the processes of cell division impact the development of new medical therapies and biotechnological innovations?' Ask them to discuss in pairs for 5 minutes and then share their ideas with the class.

Development

Duration: 55 - 60 minutes

The purpose of this lesson plan stage is to deepen students' knowledge of cell division through practical and reflective activities. By constructing 3D models and answering fixation questions, students can visualize and consolidate the theoretical concepts of mitosis and meiosis, as well as develop collaborative and problem-solving skills.

Covered Topics

1. Introduction to the cell cycle: Phases G1, S, G2, and M.
2. Characteristics and phases of mitosis: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.
3. Characteristics and phases of meiosis: Meiosis I and Meiosis II.
4. Differences between mitosis and meiosis.
5. Biological importance of cell division.

Reflections on the Theme

Guide students to reflect on how cell division is present in various aspects of their lives, from growth and wound healing to reproduction and heredity. Encourage them to think about how in-depth knowledge of these processes can lead to advances in medicine and biotechnology, such as in the development of therapies against cancer and genetic manipulation for the production of more resilient foods.

Mini Challenge

Construction of a 3D Model of Cell Division

Students will build a 3D model representing the phases of mitosis and meiosis using simple materials like modeling clay, toothpicks, and paper.

Instructions

1. Divide the class into groups of 4 to 5 students.
2. Distribute materials (modeling clay, toothpicks, paper, scissors, and glue) to each group.
3. Explain that each group should construct two models: one for mitosis and another for meiosis, highlighting the different phases of each process.
4. Encourage students to be creative and detail-oriented, representing structures like chromosomes, spindle fibers, and nuclear membrane.
5. After construction, ask each group to present their models to the class, explaining each phase and highlighting the main differences between mitosis and meiosis.

Objective: Develop practical and collaborative skills, as well as reinforce understanding of the phases and differences between mitosis and meiosis.

Duration: 40 - 45 minutes

Evaluation Exercises

1. Draw and label the phases of mitosis and meiosis.
2. Explain, in a paragraph, the biological importance of mitosis and meiosis.
3. Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis, highlighting at least three main differences.
4. Answer: How can understanding cell division contribute to the development of new cancer therapies?

Conclusion

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

 Purpose: The purpose of this lesson plan stage is to consolidate and reinforce the knowledge acquired by students, promoting critical reflection on the practical application of the studied concepts. Additionally, it aims to connect theory with practice, highlighting the relevance of the content for the job market and everyday life, ensuring meaningful and contextualized learning.

Discussion

 Discussion: Promote an open discussion with students about the importance of cell division, reflecting on how the knowledge acquired can be applied in practical situations, such as the development of cancer therapies and genetic engineering. Encourage students to share their impressions about the mini challenges and the construction of the 3D models, highlighting what they learned and how these activities helped in understanding the processes of mitosis and meiosis. Also explore the responses to the fixation exercises, encouraging the exchange of ideas and collaborative correction.

Summary

 Summary: Recap the main points covered in the lesson, emphasizing the phases of the cell cycle (G1, S, G2, and M), the stages of mitosis (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase), and meiosis (Meiosis I and II), as well as the differences between these two processes. Reinforce the biological importance of cell division and how it is present in various areas of biotechnology and medicine.

Closing

 Closing: Explain how the lesson connected theory, practice, and applications, showing students the relevance of the acquired knowledge for the job market and for understanding fundamental biological processes. Emphasize the importance of the topic for everyday life, highlighting practical applications such as disease treatment and the production of genetically modified foods.