Core Knowledge Foundation
Genetics and the Master Race
How did the beginnings of genetic research influence the Nazi party? A thorough, engaging unit incorporates the work of Gregor Mendel, the study of inherited traits, and the use of racism and discrimination during the Holocaust.
University of Colorado
Punnett Squares with Piebald Deer
Explore the science behind Earth's amazing diversity of life with this instructional activity on genetics. Looking at specific traits in piebald deer, carnations, and roan cattle, young scientists use Punnett squares to determine the...
US National Library of Medicine
Monster Genetics Lab
Harness young scientists' knowledge of genetics with an engaging science activity. Students start by flipping a coin to determine the genotypes and phenotypes of two parent monsters, before using Punnett squares to determine the...
Curated OER
Changing Cicada
Students discuss inherited traits and relate to the inherited traits in a cicada. In this cicada lesson, students follow the life cycle of the cicada and observe the changes as it grows. Students discuss the characteristics of the...
Curated OER
DNA Detectives
Fifth graders define dominant and recessive genes and that they have DNA from their mother and father. In this inherited traits lesson, 5th graders complete a punnet square based on their parents traits. Students decorate their Punnet...
Curated OER
Life Science 2c- From Parents to Young -Traits Bulletin Board
Learners recognize what traits are inherited. In this inherited traits bulletin board lesson, students complete a chart showing what traits they have inherited and from whom.
Curated OER
Punnett Square Popcorn
In this genetics worksheet, students use the Punnett Square to learn about dominance and codominance in inherited traits. This worksheet has 1 short answer question and 6 problems to solve.
Curated OER
Traits
In this traits worksheet, students will complete a graphic organizer by filling in the definition and an example of inherited, learned, acquired, and manipulated traits.
Curated OER
Heredity
Learners are introduced to the basic principles of heredity. Through discussion and discrimination activities, they review the role of chromosomes and distinguish between those traits that can and cannot be inherited. Students use...
Curated OER
Tracking Down Traits
Sixth graders list traits that all sixth graders share. They receive worksheets "Tracking Down Traits," working in groups to complete the chart. Students share results with the class and a class summary is tallied. Students discuss the...
Curated OER
How Does a Pedigree Help Us to Trace a Trait That is Inherited?
Students analyze genetic patterns. In this pedigree lesson, students determine dominant or recessive inheritance. They construct a human pedigree from genetic information.
Curated OER
Heredity Worksheet #4
In this genetics worksheet, learners use a pedigree to determine if any of the offspring carry a recessive trait. This worksheet has 5 fill in the blank and 5 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Is Our Health Inherited or Acquired?
Fifth graders list the traits they get from their parents and distinguish between inherited traits from acquired ones. They assess how to recognize influences that may affect body types and sizes and research on the internet heredity and...
Curated OER
Genetics: You Are Unique
Students investigate genetics as the study of inherited traits. They complete a worksheet.
Curated OER
Genetics- You Are Unique
Young scholars identify inherited traits. In this genetics instructional activity, students participate in a discussion about traits and use a checklist to identify inherited traits. Young scholars complete a hand-out.
Curated OER
Taster/Non-taster Lab Activity
Students determine if they are tasters or non-tasters and then replicate the experiment with family and peer group members. They collect data from the experiment to determine which trait is dominant.
Curated OER
Family Tree Video
Fifth graders create a video with photos with photos of their family members. They demonstrate an explain of traits that are inherited.