Genes Count

This inheritance unit is pure geneious! Middle school geneticists explore the chromosome theory of inheritance through experiments, modeling, and collaborative work. The activities assess observation skills, as well as data collection...

Simplify the teaching of basic genetics with this engaging cross-curricular science experiment. Using different kinds candy to represent the genes for determining eye shape in humans, young geneticists test the accuracy of Punnett...

Designed to accompany the 13-minute video The Making of the Fittest: The Birth and Death of Genes, this handout serves as both a viewing guide during the video and an analysis of how the adaptations of the icefish might help treat some...

High school biology learners simulate gene flow within a population of fish. They hold colored fish cards as identification and carry "Good & Plenty®” candies to represent alleles, the recessive homozygous of which is lethal. You...

A handout on genetic inheritance begins with a reading on alleles and how they can result in albinism. Junior geneticists learn to complete Punnett squares and participate in a coin toss simulation of allele pairing. They also learn...

In a sweet simulation, junior geneticists examine the chromosomes of a fictitious Reebop marshmallow animal, combine chromosomes to produce offspring, and then make a model of the resulting Reebop baby. Phenotypes include number of...

Introduce young scholars to epigenetics, the study of the changes in organisms. Viewers learn about investigators at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada who have shown that a father's diet can influence the health and...

Do you know how many chromosomes humans have? Do you know how many of those chromosomes we share with the chimpanzee? A perfect introduction to DNA for your middle schoolers, this video uses a ton of visuals to clearly illustrate the...

Ever been told you have your father's eyes? How did it happen? Young biologists get a hands-on experience in meiotic gene expression with a fun pairs-based activity. Participants use pipe cleaner chromosomes with trait beads to make...

Geneticists manipulate Punnett squares to determine the patterns of dominant and recessive gene influence on first and second generations of humans and plants. The technology-based lesson plan employs a variety of media for exploring...