Download Lesson Plan 7th Grade Science Ms. Wendy Bramlett Unit: Mitosis

Lesson Plan 7th Grade Science
Ms. Wendy Bramlett
Unit: Mitosis, Meiosis and DNA
Objectives:
8.) Describe the function of chromosomes.
• Identifying genes as parts of chromosomes that carry genetic traits
9.) Identify the process of chromosome reduction in the production of sperm and egg cells during meiosis.
10.) Identify differences between deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).
Examples:
- DNA-double helix, contains thymine;
- RNA-single stranded, contains uracil
• Identifying Watson and Crick as scientists who discovered the shape of the DNA molecule
Procedure:
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Students will discuss in their group how they think organisms get bigger and each group will
present their ideas to the class.
Students will discuss the Cell Cycle and how cells reproduce.
Students will create a booklet on the stages in the Cell Cycle
Students will draw a diagram of the Interphase stage of cell reproduction. On their drawing,
they will describe what is occurring.
Students will research the four stages of mitosis: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase and
Telophase. Students will draw a diagram to represent each stage and will describe what is
happening in each stage.
Students will perform AMSTI Lesson 8: Cell Division: Multiplying by Dividing. In this lab,
students will depict the behavior of chromosomes during interphase and cell division. They will
construct models that depict interphase and the key steps of cell division. They will compare
and contrast cell division in plant and animal cells. Students will finish by answering reflection
questions.
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Students will take a break in this unit to prepare a Wisconsin Fast Plant growing system.
Students will prepare equipment for maintenance and development of the plants. They will
sow the plant seeds in the growing system and examine the role of water and minerals in the
growth and development of the plants. Students will document the germination and
development of a corn seed and a lima bean seed. They will eventually explore the
differences between corn (monocot) and bean (dicot) seeds in plants. These plants will be
used in the unit on genetics and in the unit on plants.
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Students will watch UNITED STREAMING VIDEO: Language of Life, Understanding the genetic
code, Part One. (About 6 minutes)
Student will perform lab “What are the basic building blocks of DNA?”. In this lab, students will
describe the DNA molecule, identify the parts of a DNA molecule, define and identify the
different nucleotides in DNA, and understand the concept of base pairing in double stranded
DNA. Each student will build one of the key nucleotides and they will draw, color and label each
of the four base nucleotides. Students will use their nucleotides to form one side of the DNA
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double helix. After this is constructed, they will build the complimentary strand and then form
the double helix shape.
Students will peform the lab “How DNA is Copied”. They will describe the DNA replication
process. They will identify reasons for replication of DNA. They will describe the need for exact
coping of DNA and explain the function of complementary base pairing. Students will use the
DNA strand they built in the last lesson and will “unzip” it to form the two parent strands. The
parent strands will then be given to two students and they will built the complimentary
daughter strand. Students will twist the strands to form a double helix, answer reflection
questions, complete lab report.
Students will perform lab “What is RNA? How is RNA different from DNA?” Students will create
mRNA from a DNA template. They will compare and contrast DNA and RNA. They will
understand the function of mRNA. They will understand the genetic code and demonstrate the
ability to read and interpret the codons. Students will watch a video segment on mRNA, tRNA
and Protein Syntheis from united streaming video The Science of Life: DNA, the Master
Molecule of Life. Using their model from the last lab, students will unzip the two strands and
explain how they will translate the sequence they have. Using one strand of DNA, they will build
a strand of RNA. They will move their RNA strand to the side and then zip their DNA strands
back together. Students will answer reflection questions and complete lab report.
Students will do the lab “What are Genetic Disorders” where they develop and understanding of
various genetic disorders, explore cures and treatments and determine ways to diagnose
genetic disorders.
Students will research the stages of meiosis. Students will draw a diagram to represent each
stage and will describe what is happening in each stage.
Students will compare and contrast mitosis to meiosis.
Assessment:
Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis
Drawings and descriptions
Lab reports
Teacher made test