Lesson 6. Journey of the Sperm and Egg
Estimated Time: 1 period
EQ: Great I have sex cells. So what?
Bridge
Identify the 2 different gametes that are produced as the result of meiosis. Label them as male
and female.
Mini Lesson
Expectation for Work Period: Watch the next 2 parts of “Life’s Greatest Miracle”. Answer the
questions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV7Xh4UZHzs&feature=BFa&list=PLF1797686D94C4CE
F
Work Period
1. The couple’s unborn child carries the genes from who?
2. What is the difference between how the male produces sperm and how the female
produces their eggs?
3. Where are the eggs stored (the start of the egg’s journey)?
4. Describe how the egg moves from the ovary through the Fallopian tube.
5. What happens to the egg if it is not fertilized in the first couple of hours after it is
released?
6. What changes to your body occur when “love is in the air”?
7. Describe the changes that a male undergoes in order to prepare to pass along his genetic
material.
8. Describe the journey that the sperm make after the height of arousal.
9. Once released into the female, the sperm still have a long journey ahead of them. The
success of the sperm is dependent on the female body. Most of the time the female body
will fight off the intrusion of the sperm. But 48 hours out of a 28 day cycle, the female
body will aid the sperm in its journey.
10. Use the space below to describe how the female body tries to “fight off the sperm”.
11. Use the space below to describe what needs to happen in order for the sperm to
successfully fertilize the egg.
12. What is fertilization?
Summary
Answer the EQ
Closing
How does natural selection play a part in which sperm will make it to an egg?
SPED and ELL Modifications:
1. Divide movie for Mini Lesson into sections- pausing and summarizing frequently.
2. Encourage students to draw and take notes as they watch the movie
3. Read the work period questions aloud before starting the movie
4. Allow students to record answers for the work period on the iPads or computer
5. Allow students to work with a partner
6. Set up a viewing station on an iPad or Computer for students to review video as many
times as needed (headphones would be necessary as well)
Apps and Internet Activities:
1. Embryo App: Allows students to see three dimensional images of fetus development, as
well as tutorials on the stages and a pregnancy calculator. It has related videos and
resources within the app.
Students could use the Embryo app as a reference while answering the work period questions.
You could also allow students extra credit to look at the Embryo app and create a quiz from the
information- pretending that they are doctors trying to ensure patients know everything they
would need to know about fertilization. (exchange quizzes and take for extra credit points)
Independent Practice
Genetic Disorders reading with questions: Sickle Cell Anemia and Type I diabetes