Virginia SOL LS.2.d
The Standard
cell division is the mechanism for growth and reproduction
Virginia Standards of Learning for Science · The student will investigate and understand that all living things are composed of one or more cells that support life processes, as described by the cell theory. Key ideas include
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students explain how one cell divides to form new cells. They connect cell division to growth in multicellular organisms and reproduction in single-celled organisms.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students can use a model or diagram to show one parent cell producing two cells. They can explain that organisms grow by increasing cell number, not simply by making cells larger.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think cell division only happens during reproduction or that organisms grow because each cell gets bigger. They may also confuse cell division with one cell splitting without copying its contents first.
How to Assess It
- Give this exit prompt: “Explain how cell division helps a child grow and a bacterium reproduce. Include what happens to the number of cells.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Use clay and paper plates to model one cell copying its contents and dividing into two cells.
Ask students to write: “Why can an elephant not grow from one cell simply becoming larger?”
Play a card sort matching cell division examples to growth, repair, or reproduction.
Examine photos of healing skin and explain how cell division produces the new cells that close a cut.
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Printable LS.2.d Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to LS.2.d, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- LS.3.a
patterns of cellular organization support life processes;
- LS.10
The student will investigate and understand that organisms reproduce and transmit genetic information to new generations. Key ideas include
- LS.10.b
the role of meiosis is to transfer traits to the next generation; and
- LS.2.b
cell structure and organelles support life processes;
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