Curated OER
People Are Like Peas in a Pod
Learners 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
Heredity-Science Puzzlers, Twisters & Teasers
For this genetics worksheet, students complete 9 questions about heredity, genes, and alleles in the form of riddles, word scrambles, word puzzles, and brain teasers.
Curated OER
Beans and Genes/Genetic Probability
Young scholars 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...
Curated OER
Peter Rabbit Meets Charles Darwin
Students 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
Genes
In this biology activity, 9th graders identify and locate various vocabulary terms related to the study of genes. There are 18 biology terms located in the word search.
Serendip
Genetics
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...
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
Students study genetic traits using popsicle sticks as chromosomes. In this biology instructional activity, students explain how traits are inherited from parents. They differentiate dominant and recessive genes.
Curated OER
Mendel Pea Plants
In this Mendelian genetics worksheet, students answer a variety of questions about Mendel's experiments and discoveries and they practice determining probability of outcomes in pea plants.
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
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...
Curated OER
Heredity (Mendelian Genetics)
Students 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) is...
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...
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
Genes within Populations
Finally, here is a genetics activity that does not include Punnett squares! Designed for a more advanced class, biology learners will compare Lamarck's concept of evolution with Darwin's. They will explore the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium...
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...
Anthropological Association
Race: Teacher Guide: Race
How has the concept of race changed over time? Explore the genetic, cultural, and social aspects of race through a series of impactful activities. Scholars discover how race is influenced by inherited traits, examine census records to...
Curated OER
Fun with Heredity
Students explore basic concepts of heredity and collaborate to see genetics in action through several activities provided in the lesson. 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
Heredity
In this heredity worksheet, students review how genes are involved in the inheritance of certain traits through generations. Students complete a Punnett square and review probability. This worksheet has 11 short answer and 11 fill in the...
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
Young scholars 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.