Mitosis In Motion Project

Background: Background: Mitosis is the division of the nucleus and its chromosomes into two genetically
identical daughter cells (with the same genes!), and cytokinesis is the division of everything outside the
nucleus. However, these processes overlap as cytokinesis begins during the last phase of mitosis. Mitosis is
broken into further subphases: PMAT - prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase. (Some tutorials
include other subcategories like prometaphase between prophase and metaphase.) These four phases of cell
division organize and divide the chromosomes such that each daughter cell has a single, complete copy of the
parent cell's DNA.
Objective: I can explain how cells divide to multiply for growth, cell replacement and asexual reproduction
through an animated model.
Project Task: After learning about the stages of mitosis, you will be assigned to a team of 3-4 students to
create an animated model of mitotic cell division in a plant or animal cell with at least 6 chromosomes. You may
use a your choice of technique and digital tools to construct your model ( common craft video, stop motion
video, explain everything presentation, animated powerpoint, narrated paper flipbook video, or some other
creative idea to show the dynamic nature of mitosis). Your presentation should be 1:30 -3:00 minutes in length
and accompanied by narration or explanatory text.
Required Elements
6 chromosomes in parent cell
Begin with DNA replication in Interphase
Clear entry into mitosis (transition from interphase to mitosis is emphasized)
4 phases clearly identified: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase and Telophase
Cytokinesis included to generate two identical daughter cells
Key events of each phase are clearly depicted (shown) and described (text or
narration)
Cell membrane, nucleus/nuclear membrane, chromosomes, chromatids,
centromeres, centrioles/centrosomes and spindle fibers labeled or identified at least once
during animation
Process is animated such that the dynamic nature of cell division is clear.
Although you will be working with peers, you will be graded on individually based on the final product and your
contributions to the project. Use this rubric to guide your project development and ensure that your group is
meeting expectations.

Project Rubric: Mitosis in Motion

Criteria

Exceeds
(10pts)

Meets
expectations
(7-9 pts)

Meets some
expectations
( 5-6 pts)

Does Not meet

expectations
(0-4 pts)

Required
elements present

Exceptional
detail or
additional
elements that
elevated content

6 chromosomes,
At least one
More than one
all phases
major component major component
(IPMATC) shown,
missing
missing
parts present and
identified

Explanation

Narration or text
demonstrates
superior
understanding

Narration or text
clearly
demonstrates
understanding of
key events

At least one key

event missing or
unclear

More than one

event missing or
overall process
lacks clarity

Graphic &
Technical
elements

Images, audio,
transitions, etc.
enhance &
support content
in particularly
effective and
creative ways.

Images, audio,
transitions, etc.
enhance the
information, are
original and show
dynamic nature
of cell division.

Some Images,
audio,
transitions, etc.
may not be
placed
appropriately,
are limited or
irrelevant, or
excessively
mimic source
materials.

Images, audio,
transitions, etc.
do not enhance
the information
or are copied.

Collaboration and
Planning

Storyboard,
script and
production
represent a finetuned
collaborative
effort by all
members.

Storyboard,
script and
production
support
collaborative
efforts by all
members.

Storyboard,
script and
production
support some
collaboration, but
some members
underrepresented or
frequently offtask.

Team struggled
to collaborate,
stay on task or
equitably
distribute tasks.

Additional Resources
Tool/Technique Ideas
Explain Everything: https://youtu.be/1St3sBZERqU?
list=PLopJygC06_h8IRy8L43bpZEcRXEEkS7ce
Whiteboard video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y9GlmOPT2w
Common Craft Style Video: https://projectideas.wiki.dublinschools.net/Common+Craft+Video
Stop-motion video : http://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Stop-Motion-Animation
iMovie, MovieMaker
smartphone, iPad or iPod camera
Sample Projects:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ohwzkEz3v0
https://youtu.be/Py34fWXfECU (Good style with narration some scripted elements inaccurate)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdWn_qRToyw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3ogvCIbBqY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70pUYF0mUhw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b43ZIc1SVDk
https://youtu.be/-LS6kNKJ_20