It is expected that students will relate the processes of cell division and emerging reproductive technologies to embryonic development.
Students who have fully met the prescribed learning outcome are able to:
- Distinguish between male and female gametes
- Describe the process by which a single zygote forms (fertilization) and develops
- Describe and assess the impact of one or more emerging reproductive technologies (e.g., in vitro, cloning)
- Explain the role of stem cells in embryonic development
.........................................................................................................................
PLANNING FOR ASSESSMENT /ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES
Conduct a lab on gametes and embryonic
development, looking at prepared slides of
egg and sperm cells and the early stages of
embryonic development
Have students prepare diagrams of the egg cell,
sperm cell, and label provided diagrams of the
different embryonic stages (including two, four,
or eight blastomeres; blastula; early, mid, or late
gastrula). Students should accompany diagrams
with a report that answers the following:
- Compare the size of the egg and sperm cells.
Explain the difference in size.
- How are the shapes of the cells related to their
functions?
- What happens to the sperm and egg cells after
fertilization occurs?
- In what ways might human cells and tissues
be similar to those you observed?
.........................................................................................................................
Conduct a class discussion about stem cells,
their significance, and the various types of
reproductive technologies (e.g., in vitro
fertilization, cryonics, cloning).
Have students select and analyse a selected article
about reproductive technologies and stem cell
research. Look for evidence that students are able
to
- identify the main points in the article
- identify the point of view and any previous
assumptions of the article’s author
- assess the currency of the article
- relate the technologies to the scientific
principles involved
- relate the technologies to their own beliefs
- identify how the technology has advanced
our understanding of science.........................................................................................................................
