Sock Mitosis

This demonstration uses socks to represent chromosomes and a circle drawn on paper to represent the cell. It helps students visualize the major stages of mitosis without the need for extra props.

1. Draw a large circle on a sheet of paper to represent the cell.
2. Gather four pairs of socks (each pair should look different to represent different chromosomes).
3. Interphase: Place four single socks inside the circle in a jumble to represent unduplicated chromosomes.
4. Replication: Add the matching socks to each original sock so each pair is now two identical socks, showing chromosome duplication. (You can place them side by side to show sister chromatids.)
5. Prophase: Rearrange the duplicated sock pairs into an “X” shape to show condensed chromosomes.
6. Metaphase: Line up all duplicated sock pairs across the center of the circle.
7. Anaphase: Separate the matching socks and move one from each pair to opposite sides of the circle.
8. Telophase: Group the socks into two bundles on opposite sides of the circle to represent the reformation of nuclei.
9. Cytokinesis: Draw a line across the circle to divide it into two smaller circles, each containing one complete set of socks (chromosomes).

Mitosis- Dr. Steve Griffith:

• Use different colored or patterned socks to make chromosomes more distinct.
• Have students act out mitosis using socks on the classroom floor instead of paper.
• Extend the demonstration by showing meiosis with the same sock method.

• No hazards—safe classroom activity.
• Keep socks clean and organized for reuse.

• Why is it important that each new “cell” ends up with the same number of socks as the original? (Because mitosis produces identical daughter cells.)
• How does this model show that chromosomes duplicate before division? (Each sock gains a partner, representing replication.)
• What part of the cycle ensures genetic consistency from one cell to the next? (The even separation of chromatids during anaphase.)