Curated OER
Genes
Students explore the history, inheritance and mutations of genetics. For this genetic lesson students complete experiments on DNA sequences.
Towson University
Mystery of the Crooked Cell
Can your class solve the Mystery of the Crooked Cell? Junior geneticists collaborate to learn about sickle cell anemia in a fascinating lesson plan. The included materials help them to examine the genetic factors behind the disease...
Curated OER
Let's Get Square
Learners predict possible phenotypic and genotypic outcomes for avariety of common plant hybrids. They review and explain the characteristics of dominant and recessive traits and explore Mendelian genetics. Students plot the possible...
Curated OER
People Are Like Peas in a Pod
Young scholars experiment with pea pods to observe/appreciate the diversity of individuals within a population, and to explain of how dominant and recessive traits, genotypes, and phenotypes help produce variation in a population.
Curated OER
Beans and Genes/Genetic Probability
Students use 2 sets of colored beans to represent the genes of an organism. In this genetic probability lesson plan, students use the colored beans to represent the genotypes of offspring which they pull out of a box at random while the...
Curated OER
Peter Rabbit Meets Charles Darwin
Learners start to think of evolution in terms of populations. The class follows a cartoon scenario of a rabbit population in which there is selection and change of gene frequency. They receive copies of the scenario or the whole thing...
Curated OER
TE Lesson: What's Dominant?
Students study the number of chromosomes in the body cells, sperm cells, and egg cells of humans. They define allele, and examine the difference between dominant and recessive alleles. They complete an activity with jelly beans that...
Curated OER
Dragon Genetics Lab-Principles of Mendelian Genetics
Young scholars study genetic traits using popsicle sticks as chromosomes. In this biology activity, students explain how traits are inherited from parents. They differentiate dominant and recessive genes.
Curated OER
"Easter" Egg Genetics
Using plastic Easter eggs to represent parent phenotypes, genetics enthusiasts simulate the passing of alleles. They record the phenotype of each half of the egg, one representing the mother's and one representing the father's. They...
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
Variety is the Spice of Life
Young scholars 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...
Curated OER
Heredity (Mendelian Genetics)
Young scholars observe and record observations of whether a person is a taster or nontaster. They test selected individuals from their families and peer groups and chart all findings to determine which trait (e.g. taster or non-taster)...
University of Colorado
Punnett Squares with Piebald Deer
Explore the science behind Earth's amazing diversity of life with this lesson plan on genetics. Looking at specific traits in piebald deer, carnations, and roan cattle, young scientists use Punnett squares to determine the possible...
Virginia Department of Education
Passing Traits to Offspring
What makes each one of us unique? Lead your class in this exciting and educational activity as you uncover traits that show how each individual is different from another. Pupils explore facts about DNA technology and predict the...
Curated OER
Fun with Heredity
Young scholars explore basic concepts of heredity and collaborate to see genetics in action through several activities provided in the lesson plan. Inherited traits are examined and identified as dominant or recessive.
Curated OER
How Unique Are You?
Students explore how genetic information is passed down from parent to offspring. Because of this, they examine how this causes the variation in each species.
Curated OER
Peter Rabbit Meets Charles Darwin
Ninth graders explore evolution. They study a cartoon scenario of a rabbit population in which there is selection and a change of gene frequency. Students discuss frequencies, evolution, and speciation.
Curated OER
Genetics of Parenthood
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,...
Curated OER
Genetic Screening In The Workplace: Case Study
Students participate in a small group discussion/role play of a specific case study concerning the use of genetic screening in the workplace.
Beyond Benign
Kitten Creation
Your pupils become geneticists as they create cat offspring. The next instructional activity in a series continues an exploration of genetic makeup as scholars consider parent traits to build their offspring. Using household items, they...
Science 4 Inquiry
Monster Mash-Up of Genetics
It's alive! Young mad scientists create monsters as they explore the probabilities of genetic traits during a well-structured inquiry lesson. Pairs travel from station to station, rolling the dice and adding traits to their creations as...
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science
In Sickness and in Health
Based on family history, how likely is it that a couple's children will have a recessive disease? In an in-depth, but easy-to-follow case study, future geneticists learn the story of Greg and Olga, who are hoping to have children, but...
Curated OER
Heredity
For this science worksheet, students find the answers to various types of heredity problems. They use the sheet to set goals for completing the unit.
Curated OER
Whose Genes Are These, Anyway?
Students explore some of the ethical questions raised by genetic testing. They answer the question of whom, if anyone, has rights to knowledge of each person's genetic make-up.