Biology · Lesson Worlds
Mitosis: interactive science lab
Change how many rounds of splitting happen and prove that one cell becomes two, then four, then more.
Free · No account required · Runs in your browser
What will you learn?
Mitosis doubles. One cell becomes two identical cells. More rounds, more cells — 2, 4, 8…
How does the lab work?
Observe the simulation, make a prediction, change a variable, run the experiment, and explain the result. Finish with a challenge that tests your understanding.
You can change: Rounds. Compare what happens and connect the result to the scientific explanation.
Try a comparison in Mitosis
Start with the lab’s initial settings. Choose one control below, predict the result, and change that control while keeping the others fixed. Record the setting and what you observe before making a second change.
- Rounds: the lab starts at 1; its available range is 1–4.
For a named starting condition, try One, Two, Four. A preset can change several settings: check the controls before treating two presets as a one-variable comparison.
Questions to discuss during the activity
- Watch what happens. One cell becomes two. Watch one split.
- Name the cause. Mitosis is copying-and-splitting. The two new cells match the first. Do it again and you have four. The count is powers of two. Each split copies the cell.
- Change something. Raise rounds and more cells should appear. Change rounds, then divide.
- Guess before you run. If we run 2 rounds, we should see… Guess what will happen, then run to check.
After your comparison, explain how the observations connect to this idea: Mitosis doubles. One cell becomes two identical cells. More rounds, more cells — 2, 4, 8… Name one condition you held fixed and one feature of the real world this model simplifies. A completed run is a starting point for discussion, rather than proof of mastery.
Who is it for?
Curious learners exploring biology. A parent or teacher can help younger learners read the instructions and discuss the results. Choose by topic and prior knowledge rather than a fixed grade level.
Is this lab free?
Yes. This interactive lab is free without signing in or a paid membership.
No app download is needed; interactive play requires JavaScript and a modern browser.
Use this activity with a learner
Families and educators · choose by prior knowledge
Learning goal: Mitosis doubles. One cell becomes two identical cells. More rounds, more cells — 2, 4, 8…
Before you begin: Read the controls for Rounds. Make one prediction before changing a setting.
Check understanding: Ask for one observation, the evidence that supports it, and a question to investigate next.
A simulation simplifies the real world. Explain which conditions stayed fixed; a successful run alone does not demonstrate mastery.
Share Mitosis with your family or class. No account is needed to open the free resource.
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