Students are introduced to genetics along with genetic diseases and heredity. In groups, they complete a Punnett Square to determine the dominant and recessive genes. After viewing diagrams, they identify the characteristics of DNA and...

High schoolers 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...

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...

Junior geneticists tally eye color and height in their lab groups. They examine certain traits in soybean and corn seedlings. For each activity, they gather data and learn about continuous and discontinuous genetic variation. In another...

Reebops are cute, marshmallow-based creatures that can be used to teach inheritance. Beginning biologists draw strips of paper that represent chromosomes from two envelopes, one for the father, and one for the mother. Each parent...

Disease prevention or designer babies? Use a set of slides to introduce the growing practice of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, or PGD. Teens read related articles and then break into groups to address different scenarios. Afterward,...

Students explore heredity by examining how traits are passed from parent to offspring. Genetic terminology is examined and examples of inherited traits discussed. calculating genetic probability is also investigated in this lesson.

Students study genetic traits using popsicle sticks as chromosomes. In this biology lesson, students explain how traits are inherited from parents. They differentiate dominant and recessive genes.

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

It turns out blue is not just for the Smurfs! Introduce young geneticists to the Fugate family, known throughout Kentucky for their unusual skin tone. A two-day lesson from K20 explores dominant and recessive traits through partner...

Discover possible genetic outcomes through Punnett Squares. Learners continue studying genetic traits in the 10th lesson in the 17-part series. After determining the father of Sparky's kittens, scholars now attempt to predict the traits...

Sixth-grade scientists gain understanding of how genetic traits manifest with simple experiments, such as determining whether their tongues are roller or non-roller, taster or non-taster. Extensions include performing tests at home with...

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...

Here is an activity that blends genetic technology, literacy skills, and critical thinking. Pupils review background information about cell lines and CRISPR by video and teacher-led discussion. Scholars collaborate to analyze two...

Ms. Strohfeldt did not omit anything when she designed this comprehensive lesson plan on DNA mutation and sex-linked traits. Begin with a pretest as an anticipatory set. Read a case history of the Clark family and the occurrence of...

Students investigate dominant and recessive traits by studying their schoolmates.  In this genetics lesson plan, students analyze specific traits of other children in school and create a database of information based on whom carries...

Around six percent of babies are born with serious genetic disorders. Young scientists learn more about what causes these disorders and the effect they have. They begin with a case study of cystic fibrosis before expanding to research...

Should school and professional teams test athletes for sickle cell trait? Will it protect them by providing knowledge or lead to discrimination by not allowing them to participate in sports? After learning about this genetic disorder,...

Life science learners measure and record traits of seeds, leaves, and their own hands and then graph the data to find a continous distribution curve. They compare and color diagrams of seven different animals' forelimbs (not included),...

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

Ninth graders discover where their physical appearance and personality traits come from. In this genetics lesson, 9th graders learn about cells, chromosomes, DNA and genes. Students discover where genes come from as well as dominant and...

Learners explore genetic terms, the Law of Dominance and the contributions of Gregor Mendel. After discussing Mendel's lab and his pea plants students observe examples of a phenotype chart. Afterward, they conduct their own lab to...

Fifth graders understand that traits are inherited and change over time. In this physical traits lesson, 5th graders compare produce items for similar traits. Students create large graphs to show their results. Students discuss genetic...

Students, after studying extraction and gel electrophoresis, recombinant DNA, transgenic organisms, and reproductive cloning, summarize the main concepts in DNA technology. They analyze the applications of DNA: forensics, medicine,...