Students simulate multiple cell divisions and identify various mutation patterns that lead to increases in the rate of cell division. The simulation models the concept of multiple pathways to cancer and the key regulatory mechanisms damaged by cell-specific mutations. In the class activity, students represent a population of cells (a pair of students represents a single cell) preparing to undergo cell division.

• NGSS Scientific and Engineering Practices: Developing and Using Models, Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
• NGSS Core Idea: High School Life Science 3: Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits