Students work with a partner to complete an inventory of their traits and compare and discuss their unique qualities. In this biology lesson plan, students determine percentages for the frequency of observed traits of classmates, compile...

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...

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. Young scholars use...

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...

Students investigate their own inherited traits by using taste papers. In this genetic traits instructional activity, students test their ability to taste various substances, which is determined by inherited genetic traits. They take...

Students investigate genetics as the study of inherited traits. They complete a worksheet.

Young learners examine how different traits could give one organism an advantage over another. In groups, they view two different organisms in different environments. To end the lesson, they complete a Venn Diagram on the two organisms...

Really a unit, this resource exposes middle schoolers to genetics at their level. They read interviews and biographies, trace a family tree, play games that simulate inheritance concepts, and more! Teacher's procedures, student...

Don't want to sound corny, but your class will be a-maize-d by an engaging activity! Explore the history of the modern corn plant through a video and Punnett squares. Junior genetics experts get hands-on experience with actual research...

Students explore genes and inheritance. After listening to a story describing a rare genetic disease, students discuss inheritance and how living things pass on traits to their children. In groups students, students decipher code...

Young scholars explore human behavior by participating in a class science game. In this human characteristics lesson, students identify different human traits that are passed down by each generation and the purpose each of them have....

Sixth graders consider heredity. In this science lesson plan, 6th graders gain an understanding of certain physical traits are inherited from their parents through the genes.

Students explore the mode of inheritance of chromosomes. Given a scenario, students use the Human Genome sheet to determine inherited chromosomes. They illustrate the difference between genotype and phenotype. Students develop a model...

Students model traits on genes using colored paper and tongue depressors to represent chromosomes. In this heredity lesson plan, students use their "chromosome sticks" to understand chromosome pairs, genes, dominant traits, recessive...

Students participate in an activity where they flip coins to determine which allele they pass on to the F1 generation and draw the resulting child's face. They identify several inheritance patterns including dominant, recessive,...

Students investigate the inheritance pattern of eye color in Nasonia wasps. In this genetics and inheritance lesson plan, students read about the life cycle of Nasonia wasps and hypothesize about the possibilities of eye color inherited...

Students use microscopes to examine fly families and analyze their genetic inheritance. In this genes lesson plan, students also use the chi square for comparing genes and compare the class results as a whole.

Where is a geneticist's favorite place to swim? A gene pool. Young geneticists complete hands-on activities, experiments, and real-world problem solving throughout the unit. With extra focus on dominant and recessive genes, Punnett...

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.

Rotating through five stations, evolutionary biologists explore the question of how changes in DNA facilitate the changes in a population over time. High-quality, colorful cards of animals, skeletons, skulls, and DNA sequences can all be...

How did scientists determine the cause of illness before technology? Science scholars play the role of medical researcher in an engaging guided inquiry activity. Using observations, technical reading, and Punnett squares, learners...

Students observe the inherited traits in earthworms and mealworms. In this organisms lesson, students view a live mealworm and earthworm on a tray and identify the body parts. Students measure the worms and observe the behavior....

Students discern that dominant and recessive traits occur in a variety of combinations in any given group of people.

Students explore Gregor Mendel's work with genetics. They complete a survey of their friends and family in order to identify dominant and recessive traits. Once their surveys are complete, students discuss the ways in which dominant...