Six different chromosome activites introduce biology aces to heredity, chromosomal abnormalities, sex-linked traits, and the human genome. The hands-on activites are fairly simple for the teacher to prepare and will prove to be both...

Young scholars study traits of organisms including genetics and inheritance. In this genetic traits lesson, students complete a shared reading and discuss the 6 traits of uniqueness. Young scholars sort themselves by specific traits and...

Fifth graders explore genetic traits. In this genetic traits lesson, 5th graders investigate dominant and recessive traits. Students identify similar traits between a parent organism and its offspring.

Learners discover the uniqueness of deep sea hydrothermal vent organisms through an exploration of the NOAA Galapagos Rift Expedition. They study the genetics and evolution of a shrimp species that lives near the vents then they...

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...

Students work as a class to first construct a pedigree of a popular singer, showcasing the singing gene being passed down through the generations. Students then make their own family pedigree and follow two traits through their family...

Explore soil, genetic traits, natural resources, and pollution in a series of lessons that focus on biodiversity. Kids complete experiments to learn more about the importance of varied genes and organisms in an ecosystem.

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...

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

Students study the basics of genetics and the father of genetics Gregor Mendel.

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...

Students conduct a simple experiment to determine if a trait has been passed from a family member to them.

Eighth graders explore how different organisms pass their traits to their offspring. In this life science activity, 8th graders differentiate recessive and dominant alleles. They predict the phenotype based on the genotype of an organism.

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...

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.

Students make comparisons about themselves and others, which are real and meaningful. They study some basic concepts in the area of genetics and do a complimentary series of experiments, or explorations that illustrate these concepts

Students explore genetics. In this life cycle instructional activity, students consider the meaning of "genes" and "heredity" as they watch a video about the topics. Students then research their own genetic make-up as they interview...

Students predict traits of future offspring. In this biology lesson, students study karyotyping to predict genetic disorders. They research an assigned karyotype and present information about it.

Students create a fictional organism. In this biology lesson plan, students predict the traits of resulting offspring. They complete activity worksheet and discuss answers in class.

Students identify inherited traits. In this genetics lesson, students participate in a discussion about traits and use a checklist to identify inherited traits. Students complete a hand-out.

Around half of the states in the US ban first cousin marriage, but does science support that ban? Scholars work through genetic analysis of the risks to understand if more states should ban the practice—or if some should remove it. They...

How do opposable thumbs help you complete certain tasks? An activity about evolutionary traits prompts learners to try writing their name, twist the lid off of a jar, and use tweezers to pick up a straw, first with their normal grip, and...

Students identify examples of the interplay between genes and environment on certain traits and discuss how the Human Genome Project has led to a greater understanding of the role of genes on complex traits.

Seventh graders explore the connection between genetics and heredity by examining the cellular structure. Among the numerous activities to engage students are drawing DNA molecules, vocabulary puzzle sheets, and predicting possible...