Cancer is a disease that touches everyone's life at some point. It is estimated that one out of two men and one out of three women get the disease. Learn more about the statistics here.  As a learner, it's important to grasp the basic question “What is Cancer?” since it affects so many people. At the heart of cancer is a cell function issue: uncontrolled cellular division. This, in turn, creates malignant cells. Throughout this lesson you will be challenged to visualize the connection between normal cells and cancer cells. You will explore the creation of tumors. In addition, this concept will help you better understand those people around you whose lives are impacted by cancer.  StandardsBIO.B.1.1 Describe the three stages of the cell cycle: interphase, nuclear division, cytokinesis

The human body is composed of trillions of cells. Each cell has a life cycle, in the same way that all living things do. In this seminar you will explore and reflect on how eukaryotic cells (that is, cells with a nucleus) reproduce and make copies of themselves.Sometimes there can be mistakes in the copying process, which can lead to cancer. Part of this lesson will show how cancers can happen.Additionally, you will be challenged to create a model of the process to demonstrate your learning of this topic.

Life is unique because of diversity. Take a look at a room full of children; no two will be alike.  What is the mechanism at the cellular level that causes this? Meiosis is the process of cell division that facilitates this process. During meiosis, special cells form for the purpose of reproduction.    In this seminar, you will learn how meiosis creates gametes with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell, and you will explore the steps in cell division. The process of mitosis and meiosis are very similar, and you will need to reflect and differentiate between the two.   Additionally, you will be challenged to create physical models of the process while applying new understanding.  StandardsBIO.B.1.1.2 Compare and contrast the processes and outcomes of mitotic and meiotic nuclear divisions.

The human body is composed of trillions of cells. Each cell has a specific purpose to help carry out life. Many of these trillions of cells will wear out and need replaced. This essential process for life is called mitosis. In this seminar you will explore, compare, and reflect on how cells reproduce and make copies of themselves. Additionally, you will be challenged to create a model of the process based on your experience.StandardsBIO.B.1.1.1 Describe the events that occur during the cell cycle: interphase, nuclear division (i.e., mitosis or meiosis), cytokinesis.

In this project, you will explore a real-world problem, and then work through a series of steps to analyze that problem, research ways the problem could be solved, then propose a possible solution to that problem. Often, there is no specific right or wrong solutions, but sometimes one particular solution may be better than others. The key is making sure you fully understand the problem, have researched some possible solutions, and have proposed the solution that you can support with information / evidence.Begin by reading the problem statement in Step 1. Take the time to review all of the information provided in the statement, including exploring the websites, videos and / or and articles that are linked. Then work on steps 2 through 8 to complete this problem-based learning experience.