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)
![](/exchange/files/authors/faculty/503/thumb_fig%20mmf3.jpg)
Download Student Handout: PDF format or Word format
Download Teacher Preparation Notes: PDF format or Word format