Cellular & Sexual Reproduction Phenomena-Based Lesson: HeLa Immortal Cell Line Teacher Discussion Guide | Biology | Grades 9–12

This is the teacher discussion guide, with lesson flow, facilitation questions, anticipated student ideas and model explanations for leading the class discussion for the Phenomena-Based Lesson in the high school Biology (grades 9–12) chapter Cellular & Sexual Reproduction, built around the phenomenon HeLa Immortal Cell Line. It is sold separately from the other two parts of the set.

Complete the set: Cellular & Sexual Reproduction Phenomena-Based Lesson: HeLa Immortal Cell Line Presentation; Cellular & Sexual Reproduction Phenomena-Based Lesson: HeLa Immortal Cell Line Student Response Sheet. Scaffolded version: Cellular & Sexual Reproduction Scaffolded Phenomena-Based Lesson: HeLa Immortal Cell Line Teacher Discussion Guide.

Sections: NGSS Dimension; Specific Performance Expectation & Dimensional Alignment; Slides; Segment; Focus Activity & Instructional Goal; Anchoring Driving Question (student Sensemaking):; Teacher Script (read Aloud To Introduce Phenomenon):; Talk Move Category. Sample item: “• Tier 1 (Observation): What happens to normal healthy human somatic cells when grown in a culture dish after approximately 50 to 60 mitotic divisions?”

What's inside: Teacher Discussion Guide (editable .docx + PDF, about 2,337 words, 9 pages); answer key / model answers for the teacher.

Standards: HS-LS1-4 — Use a model to illustrate the role of cellular division (mitosis) and differentiation in producing and maintaining complex organisms. HS-LS3-2 — Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.

Resource type: Phenomena-Based Lesson – Teacher Discussion Guide. Format: editable Microsoft Word file plus a ready-to-print PDF.

Classroom use: Open with the phenomenon slide show, let students record ideas on the response sheet, and lead the discussion with the teacher guide. Built for high school Biology, grades 9–12.

Format note: These files are delivered in Microsoft Office formats (Word and/or PowerPoint). If you open a worksheet that includes tables in Apple Pages or another non-Microsoft app, table formatting may not display correctly. For best results, use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint (or upload the file to Google Docs). If you run into any formatting issues, contact us and we can send a PDF version.