Cell Division Student Packet
NYS Intermediate Life Science • Grade 8
Cell Division & Mitosis
Name:
Date: Period:
Part 1
4-Minute Do Now: The Paper Cut Mystery
⏱️ 4 Minutes
Yesterday, you accidentally got a small paper cut on your finger. In just a few days, the cut closes up and heals with fresh new skin.
1. Where do these brand-new skin cells come from, and why must they be exact copies of your old skin cells?
Sentence Starter: New skin cells come from existing cells that
They must be exact copies because
Part 2
Key Concepts: Why & How Cells Divide
Chunk A: Why Do Cells Divide?
Multicellular organisms like humans rely on cell division for two main functions: growth (getting larger) and repair (replacing worn-out or damaged body cells). One parent cell divides to form two identical daughter cells.
Chunk B: The Rule of Chromosome Copying
- 1. Duplication First: Before a cell divides, it makes an exact copy of its chromosomes (DNA).
- 2. Cell Division (Mitosis): The cell divides so each new cell gets a full, identical set of chromosomes.
- 3. Result: Two identical daughter cells with the same chromosome number!
NYS Grade 8 Cell Division Model
Long Solid Long Dashed Short Solid Short Dotted
1. Parent Cell 4 Chromosomes Copies 2. Chromosomes Copy DNA is Duplicated Divides 3. Cell Divides Equal Distribution Results 4. Two Daughter Cells 4 Chromosomes Each!
📖 Academic Vocabulary Anchor (NYS Intermediate Science)
Chromosome: A threadlike structure in the nucleus made of DNA that carries genetic information.
Chromosome Duplication: The copying of DNA before a cell divides so each new cell gets a full set.
Mitosis (Cell Division): The process where a parent cell divides to form two identical daughter cells.
Daughter Cells: The two new cells formed; they are genetically identical to the parent cell.
NYS Intermediate Life Science • Standard MS-LS1-5 (Cell Division) Page 1 of 4
Ciencias de la Vida Intermedias de NYS • Grado 8
División Celular y Mitosis
Nombre:
Fecha: Período:
Parte 1
Campana de 4 Minutos: El Misterio del Corte de Papel
⏱️ 4 Minutos
Ayer te hiciste un pequeño corte de papel en el dedo. En pocos días, el corte se cierra y sana con piel completamente nueva y sana.
1. ¿De dónde provienen estas nuevas células de la piel y por qué deben ser copias exactas de las células viejas?
Guía de Inicio: Las nuevas células provienen de células existentes que
Deben ser copias exactas porque
Parte 2
Conceptos Clave: Por qué y cómo se dividen las células
Parte A: ¿Por qué se dividen?
Los organismos pluricelulares dependen de la división celular para dos funciones principales: crecimiento (hacerse más grandes) y reparación (reemplazar tejidos dañados o desgastados). Una célula madre forma dos células hijas idénticas.
Parte B: La Regla de los Cromosomas
- 1. Duplicación Primero: Antes de dividirse, la célula hace una copia exacta de sus cromosomas (ADN).
- 2. División Celular: La célula se divide para que cada nueva célula reciba un juego completo e idéntico.
- 3. Resultado: ¡Dos células hijas con el mismo número de cromosomas!
Modelo de División Celular de Grado 8
Largo Continuo Largo Guiones Corto Continuo Corto Puntos
1. Célula Madre 4 Cromosomas Copia 2. Duplica Cromosomas El ADN se Copia Divide 3. Se Divide Distribución Igual Forma 4. Dos Células Hijas ¡4 Cromosomas Cada Una!
📖 Vocabulario Académico Clave (Ciencias de NYS)
Cromosoma: Estructura en el núcleo formada por ADN que contiene la información genética.
Duplicación: Copia idéntica del ADN antes de dividirse para que cada célula tenga el juego completo.
Mitosis (División): Proceso mediante el cual una célula madre se divide para formar dos células hijas idénticas.
Células Hijas: Las dos células nuevas formadas; son genéticamente idénticas a la célula madre.
Ciencias de la Vida Intermedias de NYS • Estándar MS-LS1-5 Página 2 de 4
Classwork & Assessment Packet Student Name:
Part 3
NYS Grade 8 Statewide Exam Practice
Verbatim NYS Grade 8 Exam Tasks
The questions below are taken directly from New York State 8th Grade statewide science assessments.
1
A skin cell of a human contains 46 chromosomes. This cell undergoes cell division (mitosis) to produce two new skin cells.
How many chromosomes will be found in each of the new skin cells?
(A) 23
(B) 46
(C) 92
(D) 0
2
Which statement best describes the primary function of cell division (mitosis) in a multicellular organism like a cat or a human?
(1) Producing sperm and egg cells for sexual reproduction
(2) Growth of the body and repair of damaged tissues
(3) Breaking down food to release chemical energy
(4) Transporting oxygen through the bloodstream
3
NYS Written Task: Explain why a cell must replicate (copy) its chromosomes before it divides into two cells.
Use this sentence starter to write your answer:
A cell must copy its chromosomes before dividing so that each new daughter cell receives
If the cell did not copy its DNA first, the new cells would
Part 4
3-Minute Exit Slip: Check for Understanding
⏱️ 3 Minutes
Complete these quick questions before leaving class today so your teacher can review your progress!
Q1. When a parent cell with 12 chromosomes divides by mitosis, how many chromosomes are in each of the 2 daughter cells?
6 12 24
Q2. Are the two daughter cells produced by mitosis genetically identical OR different?
The two daughter cells are
Q3. Fill in the two blanks using the words GROWTH and REPAIR:
"Multicellular organisms use cell division for body and tissue ."
NYS Intermediate Life Science • Grade 8 • Cell Division Packet Page 3 of 4
Paquete de Trabajo y Evaluación Nombre del Estudiante:
Parte 3
Práctica del Examen Estatal de NYS Grado 8
Preguntas Oficiales de Examen
Las siguientes preguntas son tomadas directamente de los exámenes estatales de ciencias de 8.º grado de Nueva York.
1
Una célula de la piel humana contiene 46 cromosomas. Esta célula pasa por división celular (mitosis) para producir dos nuevas células.
¿Cuántos cromosomas se encontrarán en cada una de las nuevas células de la piel?
(A) 23
(B) 46
(C) 92
(D) 0
2
¿Qué afirmación describe mejor la función principal de la división celular (mitosis) en un organismo pluricelular como un gato o un humano?
(1) Producir espermatozoides y óvulos para la reproducción sexual
(2) Crecimiento del cuerpo y reparación de tejidos dañados
(3) Descomponer los alimentos para liberar energía química
(4) Transportar oxígeno a través del torrente sanguíneo
3
Tarea Escrita de NYS: Explica por qué una célula debe duplicar (copiar) sus cromosomas antes de dividirse en dos células.
Usa esta frase de inicio para escribir tu respuesta:
Una célula debe copiar sus cromosomas antes de dividirse para que cada nueva célula hija reciba
Si la célula no copiara su ADN primero, las nuevas células
Parte 4
Boleto de Salida de 3 Minutos: Comprobación Rápida
⏱️ 3 Minutos
¡Responde estas preguntas rápidas antes de salir de clase hoy para que tu maestro pueda revisar tu progreso!
P1. Cuando una célula madre con 12 cromosomas se divide por mitosis, ¿cuántos cromosomas hay en cada una de las 2 células hijas?
6 12 24
P2. ¿Son las dos células hijas producidas por mitosis genéticamente idénticas O diferentes?
Las dos células hijas son
P3. Completa los dos espacios usando las palabras CRECIMIENTO y REPARACIÓN:
"Los organismos pluricelulares usan la división celular para el corporal y la de tejidos."
Ciencias de la Vida Intermedias de NYS • Grado 8 • Paquete Celular Página 4 de 4
Cell Division Teacher Guide
Teacher Facilitation Guide & Standards Analysis
Cell Division & Mitosis Lesson Plan
NYS Grade 8 Intermediate Life Science
45 Min • Bilingual Packet (Eng/Esp)
🎯 NYS Intermediate Standards & Strict Assessment Boundaries
NYS Standard MS-LS1-5 (Core Curriculum 4.4a & 4.4b): Develop and use a model to describe how cell division results in organism growth and tissue repair through identical daughter cells.
⚠️ Strict Assessment Boundary & Dual-Language Packet Setup:
• Phase names (prophase, etc.) and subphases (interphase, cytokinesis) are strictly excluded per NYS 8th grade standards.
• Bilingual Print Setup: Print double-sided. Sheet 1 Front = Page 1 (Eng), Back = Page 2 (Esp). Sheet 2 Front = Page 3 (Eng), Back = Page 4 (Esp).
⏱️ 45-Minute Lesson Pacing & Instructional Routine
00 - 04 MIN (4m)
Part 1: Do Now
Paper cut mystery hook. Activate idea of skin cells making new identical cells.
04 - 16 MIN (12m)
Part 2: Chunked Read
Slides show Color + Size origin; student packet uses grayscale patterns.
16 - 34 MIN (18m)
Part 3: Exam Tasks
Partner check on Q1 (46 chromosomes) & Q2 (Growth/Repair). Independent writing.
34 - 45 MIN (11m)
Exit Slip & Wrap
Collect 3-minute Exit Ticket. Formatively evaluate chromosome conservation.
💡 Scaffolding & ELL/MLL Dual Language Strategies
Dual Visual Encoding: Slides use Color + Size (Long Red, Long Blue, Short Green, Short Orange) to track chromosome origin; packet uses matching grayscale patterns.
Synchronized Spanish: ELL/MLL students can flip between English and Spanish on the exact same sheet, lowering cognitive load while building academic vocabulary.
Misconception Buster: Clarify that cells do NOT divide 46 into 23 and 23. Emphasize duplication: 46 duplicates to make two full sets of 46!
🔑 Master Answer Key & NYS Grade 8 Scoring Guide
Do Now Exemplar: "New skin cells come from existing cells that divide by mitosis. They must be exact copies because they need to do the same job of protecting the body."
Part 3, Question 1: Answer: (B) 46. Mitosis keeps chromosome count constant. 46 parent -> 46 in each new daughter cell.
Part 3, Question 2: Answer: (2). Growth of the body and repair of damaged tissues.
Part 3, Question 3 (NYS 1-Point Rubric Exemplar):
Cell Division Slides
NYS Intermediate Life Science • Grade 8 Standard MS-LS1-5
Cell Division & Mitosis
División Celular y Mitosis
How living organisms make identical cell copies for growth and tissue repair.
Classroom Presentation • Synchronized with Student Packet Period: 45 Minutes
Part 1
4-Minute Do Now: The Paper Cut Mystery
⏱️ 4 Minutes
Think & Wonder • Piensa y Reflexiona
When you get a paper cut, fresh new skin cells replace damaged tissue in just a few days.
Where do those new cells come from, and why must they be exact copies?
Sentence Starter • Frase de Inicio:
English: "New skin cells come from existing cells that divide. They must be exact copies because..."
Español: "Las nuevas células provienen de células que se dividen. Deben ser copias exactas porque..."
Write silently in your student packet • Escribe en tu paquete estudiantil
Part 2 Concept
Why Do Cells Divide? • ¿Por qué se dividen?
🌱
1. GROWTH • Crecimiento
All humans start as a single cell. Multicellular organisms grow larger by adding more cells through division.
Organisms grow by adding cells, not just inflating existing cells!
🩹
2. REPAIR • Reparación
The body constantly sheds skin and blood cells. Cell division replaces damaged or worn-out tissues.
Mitosis makes identical biological replacements to heal injuries!
Two Primary Functions: Growth and Tissue Repair
Model Step 1
Parent Cell & Duplication: Color + Size Origin
Chromosome Origin Key
Tracking Chromosome Origin:
Long Red Chromosome (Origin A / Maternal)
Long Blue Chromosome (Origin B / Paternal)
Short Green Chromosome (Origin A / Maternal)
Short Orange Chromosome (Origin B / Paternal)
The Duplication Rule:
Before division, each chromosome makes an exact duplicate copy of itself!
Why Color + Size Matters:
Both size (long vs short) and color allow us to verify that every single gene is copied with zero errors!
Rule: Never divide until all chromosomes are duplicated!
Model Step 2
Equal Distribution into 2 Identical Daughter Cells
Daughter Cell #1 • Célula Hija 1
