ATLAS was developed to help fulfill the demand for the shift in science pedagogy, hence: Analyzing and Thinking Like a Scientist; ATLAS is “plug and play” material to make it easy to incorporate and address inquiry based learning. Modern science frameworks are designed to emphasize real world science without route memorization.

The Cell Division inquiry based science journal is an easy way for students to get engaged in content without teacher lead instruction!

How to use Cell Division ATLAS: First, read the teacher guide so that you know what is expected of the students, as well as any materials you may need. You know your students best; after reviewing the teacher guide you may decide to skip certain activities in the ATLAS journal, and instead save them for teacher instruction.

Secondly, print the ATLAS inquiry journal for your students to begin the inquiry based learning!

Once the ATLAS journal is complete, move on to teacher-lead instruction (this material is not included).

CELL Division ATLAS:

Students inquire about the "Big Idea": Cells division is used for growth, repair, reproduction. Chromosome numbers must be maintained in a species. Cell cycles must be regulated or it can lead to cancer.

MAPS are the Exploratory portion of ATLAS. Included are the following:

1. Cell Division Model: Students try to recreate the number of chromosomes in a fruit fly cell during division.

2. Analyze Cell Division: Students analyze slides of cells to look at the different nuclei; computers are used to look at newt development and HeLa.

3. Predict: Students predict the number of chromosomes in cells as they divide; and try to put cells in order of mitosis (again there are no wrong answers in the ATLAS journals!)

4. Case Study: Students explore the cell cycle more deeply and determine the mitotic index for dogs that may have mast cell tumors.

Meiosis Extension: A separate meiosis ATLAS journal is not included, however there is a 2 page extension activity for inquiry based learning that explores chromosome numbers, and fraternal twins.

Materials: paper plates, yarn, student devices/computers

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