How does cancer begin, and why can it get so out of control? Curious young cytologists use an interactive resource to study the cell cycle. After reviewing the background information, individuals go step-by-step through the process of eukaryotic cell division, making note of important checkpoints along the way. Then, they discover how even the smallest missed detail can become a cancerous cell.

Concepts

eukaryotic cells, cell division, the cell cycle, cells, cancer, mitosis

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the interactive as a part of the larger lesson Medicine in the Genomic Era
• Have individuals create an illustrated version of the eukaryotic cell cycle to help them pull the content together
  
  

Classroom Considerations

• The in-depth worksheet, included with the activity, is fairly long, so plan adequate time for pupils to finish—or, choose the Overview version
  

Pros

• Short, well-written video clips embedded in the simulation support tougher aspects of the lesson
• The student worksheet comes in two different versions to help you capture the level of detail your class needs in this subject area
  

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2