Description
The cell division inquiry based science journal is an easy way for students to get engaged in the content using inquiry and models!
Cell Division ATLAS (Analyzing and Thinking Like a Scientist) is an inquiry based learning journal developed to emphasize real world science without route memorization, making it easy to incorporate modern biology frameworks such as NGSS.
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!
The biology ATLAS comes in an easy Journal format for students to use as they explore the topics.
This typically takes 3 days to complete (if you use every activity) and is designed so that students build and explore models in "layers" before teacher instruction. LAYERS OF THE ATLAS JOURNAL:
- Inquire (Big Idea)
- Engage (Build It)
- Explore (MAPS: Modeling, Analyzing/Applying, Predicting, and more).
Once the ATLAS journal is complete, move on to teacher-lead instruction: explain (this material is not included).
CELL DIVISION ATLAS OUTLINE:
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.
Suggested Materials: paper plates, yarn, student devices/computers
FAQ:
1. Why is it called ATLAS?
- Atlas stands for "Analyzing and Thinking Like a Scientist".
2. Will this work with my current cell division teaching materials?
- Absolutely! This is an easy way to incorporate modern science frameworks into any classroom, and will work with any existing cell division materials. Simply give it to your students before you teach your typical unit.
3. What do I need to use the ATLAS journal?
- Chromebooks or student devices are used for a small portion of the ATLAS Inquiry Journals. Additional materials, such as lab supplies, are found at bottom of every preview. These materials support the hands-on activities, but can be modified.
4. Is the ATLAS a complete unit? Does this replace my teaching unit?
- No, the ATLAS is a 7-10 page journal that takes approximately 3 classes to complete. It is designed for your students to complete before teacher-lead instruction. The teacher-lead unit materials are not included, but you can use the ATLAS journals with whatever teaching materials you currently use.
5. Will my students be more prepared for the topic I teach after using the ATLAS journal?
- Yes, it is tried and true inquiry based learning, which studies have shown result in greater retention and understanding of the phenomena.
Any other questions? Just drop me a note in my Q&A, or email me: vanessa@biology-roots.com
Here is a video to help give you a better idea of the ATLAS Inquiry Journal.
You may also be interested in:
© Vanessa Jason, 2023. All Rights Reserved.
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Description
The cell division inquiry based science journal is an easy way for students to get engaged in the content using inquiry and models!
Cell Division ATLAS (Analyzing and Thinking Like a Scientist) is an inquiry based learning journal developed to emphasize real world science without route memorization, making it easy to incorporate modern biology frameworks such as NGSS.
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!
The biology ATLAS comes in an easy Journal format for students to use as they explore the topics.
This typically takes 3 days to complete (if you use every activity) and is designed so that students build and explore models in "layers" before teacher instruction. LAYERS OF THE ATLAS JOURNAL:
- Inquire (Big Idea)
- Engage (Build It)
- Explore (MAPS: Modeling, Analyzing/Applying, Predicting, and more).
Once the ATLAS journal is complete, move on to teacher-lead instruction: explain (this material is not included).
CELL DIVISION ATLAS OUTLINE:
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.
Suggested Materials: paper plates, yarn, student devices/computers
FAQ:
1. Why is it called ATLAS?
- Atlas stands for "Analyzing and Thinking Like a Scientist".
2. Will this work with my current cell division teaching materials?
- Absolutely! This is an easy way to incorporate modern science frameworks into any classroom, and will work with any existing cell division materials. Simply give it to your students before you teach your typical unit.
3. What do I need to use the ATLAS journal?
- Chromebooks or student devices are used for a small portion of the ATLAS Inquiry Journals. Additional materials, such as lab supplies, are found at bottom of every preview. These materials support the hands-on activities, but can be modified.
4. Is the ATLAS a complete unit? Does this replace my teaching unit?
- No, the ATLAS is a 7-10 page journal that takes approximately 3 classes to complete. It is designed for your students to complete before teacher-lead instruction. The teacher-lead unit materials are not included, but you can use the ATLAS journals with whatever teaching materials you currently use.
5. Will my students be more prepared for the topic I teach after using the ATLAS journal?
- Yes, it is tried and true inquiry based learning, which studies have shown result in greater retention and understanding of the phenomena.
Any other questions? Just drop me a note in my Q&A, or email me: vanessa@biology-roots.com
Here is a video to help give you a better idea of the ATLAS Inquiry Journal.
You may also be interested in:
© Vanessa Jason, 2023. All Rights Reserved.





