Plant Power: Mitosis & Magic in Culture!

High School Grade

Project
2 weeks

Plant Power: Mitosis & Magic in Culture!

Suzette Nelson

HS.CR.CC.3

HS.ESS3.4

HS.HuS.CC.4

HS.IVT.DCI.LS1.B

HS.IVT.DCI.LS1.A

+ 3 more

Purpose

This project immerses students in the study of plant biology through direct experimentation with plant tissue culture and observation of mitosis. Students will engage in hands-on activities and critical discussions to explore the scientific, technological, and ethical aspects of plant reproduction and its role in sustainability and food security. The project emphasizes real-world applications, nurturing skills in scientific inquiry, data analysis, and ethical evaluation.

Learning goals

Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of mitosis and asexual reproduction in plants through hands-on laboratory experiences and project-based learning. They will develop skills in scientific observation and data analysis by preparing and examining plant slides under a microscope and documenting their findings. Additionally, students will explore the application of plant tissue culture in agriculture, evaluating its potential to enhance food security and sustainability while considering ethical and societal implications. Through reflective journaling, digital presentations, and debates, students will enhance their critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. Instead of a virtual lab tour, students will participate in a hands-on workshop where they will create culture media and practice aseptic techniques, gaining practical experience in plant tissue culture methods.

Standards

HS.CR.CC.3 - Stability and Change
HS.ESS3.4 - Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
HS.HuS.CC.4 - Influence of Engineering, Technology, and Science on Society and the Natural World
HS.IVT.DCI.LS1.B - LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms
HS.IVT.DCI.LS1.A - LS1.A: Structure and Function
HS.IVT.DCI.LS3.A - LS3.A: Inheritance of Traits
HS.IVT.DCI.LS3.B - LS3.B: Variation of Traits
HS.IVT.SEP.3 - Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Products

Students will create a reflective journal or blog documenting their daily observations and insights from the lab and plant tissue culture project. They will produce a digital presentation or video diary showcasing their plant tissue culture experiment, highlighting mitosis stages and growth progress. Additionally, students will participate in a debate or panel discussion, using case studies to explore and present arguments on the ethical and societal impacts of plant tissue culture. As a substitute for the virtual lab tour, students can create a visual timeline or storyboard illustrating the process and outcomes of their plant tissue culture experiment, which can be shared during the gallery walk exhibition.

Launch

Begin the project with an interactive workshop where students explore plant tissue culture through a guided tour of a local botanical garden or greenhouse. Follow this with a hands-on activity where students extract DNA from strawberries, introducing them to the fundamentals of plant genetics and the role of mitosis. This engaging start will set the stage for their upcoming experiments and discussions on plant growth, asexual reproduction, and the broader implications of these technologies.

Exhibition

Students will host a "Plant Culture Showcase" where they present their digital presentations or video diaries to peers, teachers, and community members, highlighting their plant tissue culture experiments and findings. They will set up interactive stations displaying their microscope slides, culture media, and growth observations, allowing attendees to engage with the scientific process firsthand. The event will include a debate session where students discuss the ethical implications and societal impacts of plant tissue culture, fostering a community dialogue on the future of sustainable agriculture.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Workshop Launch - Begin with a hands-on workshop where students create culture media and practice aseptic techniques, gaining practical experience in plant tissue culture methods.	Activity 2: DNA Extraction from Strawberries - Students perform a DNA extraction from strawberries to introduce them to plant genetics and the role of mitosis.	Activity 3: Mitosis Observation Lab - Students prepare plant slides and use microscopes to observe and document the stages of mitosis, recording their observations in a reflective journal.	Activity 4: Design Your Tissue Culture Experiment - Students design a small-scale plant tissue culture experiment, selecting a plant species, and preparing the culture media. They document their experimental plan and objectives in their journals.	Activity 5: Case Study Analysis - Students analyze case studies of plant tissue culture applications in agriculture, discussing ethical considerations and societal impacts. They prepare to share insights in a class discussion.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Reflective Journal Entries - Students create daily entries documenting DNA extraction insights, mitosis observations, and initial experimental design plans. 2. Deliverable 2: Group Discussion - Prepare a summary of the case study analysis and ethical implications for the class discussion.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Prepare materials for culture media preparation and set up stations for the hands-on workshop. 2. Prep Task 2: Gather materials for DNA extraction, including strawberries, extraction buffer, and filtration tools. 3. Prep Task 3: Prepare microscope stations with plant slides and ensure all equipment is functioning for the mitosis observation lab. 4. Prep Task 4: Organize and distribute case study materials for group analysis, including printed resources or digital access links. 5. Prep Task 5: Source and prepare plant tissue culture materials, such as culture media ingredients and containers, for student experiments.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Implementing Plant Tissue Culture Experiment - Students initiate their plant tissue culture experiments by following their previously designed plans, carefully preparing their selected plant species in the culture media and setting up growth conditions.	Activity 2: Data Collection and Analysis - Students regularly observe and record growth data from their plant tissue cultures. They analyze the data to identify patterns and stages of growth, linking observations to mitosis and asexual reproduction concepts.	Activity 3: Digital Presentation Creation - Students compile their recorded data, mitosis observations, and experiment outcomes into a digital presentation or video diary. They focus on visually and effectively communicating their findings and insights.	Activity 4: Ethical Debate Preparation - Students research additional case studies and current events related to plant tissue culture. They prepare arguments for a class debate focused on ethical considerations and societal impacts, using evidence from their research.	Activity 5: Plant Culture Showcase and Debate - Students present their digital presentations or video diaries at the Plant Culture Showcase event. They participate in a structured class debate, articulating their views on the ethical and societal implications of plant tissue culture in agriculture.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Daily Data and Observations - Students submit detailed daily entries in their reflective journals documenting their plant tissue culture experiment progress and data analysis. 2. Deliverable 2: Digital Presentation or Video Diary - A comprehensive digital presentation or video diary showcasing their plant tissue culture experiment, including data analysis and mitosis observations. 3. Deliverable 3: Debate Participation - Active participation in the class debate, presenting researched arguments and engaging in discussions on the ethical and societal impacts of plant tissue culture.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Ensure all necessary materials and equipment for plant tissue culture experiments are available and ready for student use. 2. Prep Task 2: Arrange technology resources for students to create digital presentations or video diaries, including access to presentation software and video editing tools. 3. Prep Task 3: Provide access to additional case studies and resources for students to research ethical and societal impacts of plant tissue culture. 4. Prep Task 4: Set up the Plant Culture Showcase event space, including stations for presentations and a designated area for the class debate. 5. Prep Task 5: Coordinate with community members or guest speakers to attend the Plant Culture Showcase and provide feedback on student presentations.