This worksheet is intended to reinforce concepts related to meiosis and sexual reproduction. Students compare terms such as diploid and haploid, mitosis and meiosis, and germ cells and somatic cells.

Meiosis can be a difficult concept to understand because it is a reduction division that results in unique gametes due to crossing-over that occurs in prophase I of meiosis.

It may take several different learning activities for students to really get the concept of independent assortment, which results in unique combinations of chromosomes in the gametes produced from meiosis.

These notes and Google slides can serve as an introduction to the topic which also includes an amazing video on meiosis from the Amoeba Sisters.

Other activities may include hands-on modeling of meiosis and crossing-over with popbeads and/or playdoh. I find this to be the most effective way for students to visualize how each gamete can receive a different combination of chromosome (independent assortment).