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Meiosis and Fertilization – Understanding How Genes Are Inherited
In this hands-on, minds-on activity, students use model chromosomes and answer analysis and discussion questions to learn about the processes of meiosis and fertilization.
Students first analyze how the processes of meiosis and fertilization result in the alternation between diploid and haploid cells in the human lifecycle. To learn how meiosis produces genetically diverse gametes, students analyze the results of crossing over and independent assortment.
As they model meiosis and fertilization, students follow the alleles of a human gene from the parents' body cells through gametes to zygotes.They learn how the outcomes of meiosis and fertilization can be represented in a Punnett square.
A final brief section contrasts sexual reproduction with asexual reproduction.
This activity can be used to introduce meiosis and fertilization or to review these processes.
(NGSS)
Download Student Handout: PDF format or Word format
Download Teacher Preparation Notes: PDF format or Word format
The Teacher Preparation Notes provide instructional suggestions and background information and explain how this activity is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. A remote-ready analysis and discussion version of the Student Handout is available at https://serendipstudio.org/exchange/bioactivities/meiosisRR. In the attachments below, we provide the older version of the Student Handout in case you have already made model chromosomes and do not want to change the symbols for the alleles of the genes.
Comments
September 2021 revision
The September 2021 revision improved the wording of some questions in the Student Handout and clarified some points in the Teacher Notes.
Ingrid
2021 revision
The main revision has been a change in the symbols for the alleles of the genes on the model chromosomes, to avoid confusion between lower case and capital letters (e.g., s and S). If you have already made model chromosomes and do not want to change the symbols, we provide the older version of the Student Handout for your convenience.
Ingrid
2018 revision
To enhance student understanding and retention of basic concepts, we have enhanced the graphical representations, clarified some of the verbal explanations, and revised many of the questions.
Answer Key
Hey I plan on teaching this on Monday, can you get the answer key to me by then?
Thanks, Aidan
Answer Key
Please see the Teacher Preparation Notes for much useful information, including the directions for requesting a copy of the key.
Ingrid
2017 revision
The Student Handout has been substantially revised to engage students in more active learning and clarify the instructions, questions and explanations. In addition we have sharpened the focus on how genes are inherited via meiosis and fertilization.
answer key
when will the answer key arrive? im planning on teaching this, and need to know how long it will take to plan accordingly. Thanks!
Keys
I am usually, but not always, able to send a key within 24-48 hours.
Ingrid Waldron
answer key
is there a answer key yet i'm in desperate need of it
Answer key available
Please see the Teacher Preparation Notes for much useful information, including the directions for requesting a copy of the key.
Ingrid
Answer Sheet
I cannot find the answer key. Where is it located?
Mr. Alexander
see below
Please see the comment below.
Biology
I can't find the answers to my lab
Answer key
i love the parket, it's very helpful but i'm unsure of some answer and i'm unable to locate and answer key. Where is it?
Answer Key
Please see page 5 of the Teacher Preparation Notes, available above.
Ingrid
November 2015 revision
Based on teacher feedback, the questions, explanations and figures in the Student Handout have been revised and reorganized for greater clarity and better focus on the most important concepts. In addition, we have developed a shorter and somewhat simplified version of the Student Handout which is appropriate for middle school and some high school students. The Teacher Preparation Notes have been revised for greater clarity and completeness.
Answer sheet
Hi,
I have been looking at your website and was thinking of doing this activity with my students, however I do not see a link to download the answersheet to the worksheet. Where could I find this?
I look forward to a prompt response.
Mrs. Farles
Answer Keys
I encourage you to read the Teacher Preparation Notes available at the link above. These Teacher Preparation Notes include information about how to get a copy of the key, instructional suggestions, background biology and learning goals, all of which I think will be helpful for you as you consider using this activity.
February 2015 revision of meiosis and fertilization activity
This meiosis and fertilization activity has been improved by:
We are grateful to the middle school and high school teachers who provided helpful suggestions for improvements.
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