Tired of cutting and pasting chromosomes when teaching karyotypes? Try out this station lab instead! (Students should have a basic understanding of karyotypes prior to this lesson).

In this activity, students will rotate through 8 karyotype stations:

Station 1: At this station, students will answer background questions about karyotypes.

Station 2: At this station students will complete a computer simulation where they analyze 3 karyotypes and give a patient diagnosis. Computer access is required.

Station 3: At this station students will pair up homologous chromosomes. You have an option of using a paper version or electronic version.

Station 4: At this station students will observe a karyotype smear under the microscope. If you do not have access to karyotype slides an image has been provided.

Station 5: At this station students will learn about the job of a cytogenetic technologist. Computer access is required.

Station 6: At this station students will look over what genes are located on each chromosome and find traits they have or that run in their family. Images are from the Human Genome Project.

Station 7: At this station students will examine karyotypes from different species and determine the diploid and haploid numbers of each organism.

Station 8: At this station students will read a short article about polyploidy and answer questions.