Genes Lesson Plans

Students explore how gene sequence analysis can be used to examine phylogenetic similarities of different organisms. Students work in groups to simulate a gel electrophoresis separation of fragments using poster board to create their gel.

Students explain the concept of gene sequence analysis. In this gene lesson, students draw inferences about phylogenetic similarities of different organisms.

Learners discuss information about genes and consider how that information is changing thoughts about human behavior and scientific research. They write essays about how information about genetics affects private homes, the research laboratory, and hospitals and clinics.

Students examine how genes are passed on to offspring.  In this inheritance lesson students use a Punnett square to demonstrate the liklihood of trait inheritance

Students explore DNA microarrays. In this genetics lesson, students model DNA microarrays that are used by scientists. Students work to determine levels of breast cancer genes in patients. They will determine the treatment required based on their findings.

Eighth graders experiment with 'Genetic Engineering Box' software by gaining insight into the way that individual genes determine its appearance and functionality. They fill in a questionnaire about using the software.

Students come to understand that in sexually reproducing organisms, such as humans, typically half of the genes come from each parent. Students examine a fictional pedigree and determine which gene is responsible for a given trait. The genetic information for individuals is depicted as a jigsaw puzzle. Terms that students encounter include gene; chromosome; DNA; pedigree; genotype; phenotype; dominant; and recessive.

Learners see how eight pairs of triplets are equivalent to part of a gene and control a part of heredity. They comprehend how blood corpuscles manufacture normal hemoglobin. Students already comprehend that genes control the synthesis of all the chemicals needed by organisms.

Students research the population of Bengal tigers and their existence as either dominant or recessive. They explore the presence of fur on these tigers and its lethal combinations. Determinating the effect of random mating in a population of tigers possessing a recessive gene.

Students work in teams with two boxes of beans (one with 100 red and one with 100 white beans) which represent genes. Students watch teacher place genotypes of parents on the board. Each student team counts out the appropriage numbers and colors of beans per box in the Pundett square. Student pairs pull two beans at a time from each box and arrange the pairs in rows and calculate the ratio of each combination.