Pupils research and assemble their own pedigrees using star patterns for each family member and coloring in various dominant traits. They arrange these patterns on long strips of paper making large, colorful family pedigrees.

Young scholars receive instruction on dominant/recessive traits, access World-Wide Search for the Dominant Trait and download information on which traits to assess. They collect data on at least 20 people and prepare a data chart.

What is in that double helix? Explain intricate concepts with a variety of creative activities in a lesson that incorporates multiple steps to cover DNA structure, nucleic acids, and proteins. Pupils explore the history of DNA structure,...

Uncover the basics of DNA structure through exploration activities. Collaborative groups build DNA models and recreate the process of replication. Then, using plant cells such as peas or strawberries, they extract a DNA sample.

With colored toothpicks representing genes, youngsters practice passing them through generations of fish and learn about heredity. Consider this as an introductory activity since it does not represent recessive genes with lowercase...

Seventh graders listen as the teacher explains the differences between dominant and recessive traits. The data sheet is described and delivered to students. Students collect data about themselves and record it on their sheet. For the...

Students experiment with peapods to show the diversity of individual within a population. They examine dominant traits, recessive traits, genotypes, and phenotypes and show the process of making a Punnett Square.

Students draws the child's face and compares "mother's" and "father's" perception of characteristics. One student draws the child's face; partner writes a biography of the child at age 30- what is the child like, what have they...

Students explore natural selection. For this genetic adaptation lesson, students discover why certain traits continue and some traits disappear. Students discover how species evolve and change. Resources are provided.

Perspective is everything when it comes to assessing human behavior. Class members examine a series of statements and identify the perspective represented by each to demonstrate their understanding of different psychological perspectives.

Students, in groups, research, analyze and synthesize information on genetic diseases. After watching a video on genetics, groups perform research on a variety of genetic diseases and present their findings to the class.

Students explore basic concepts of heredity and collaborate to see genetics in action through several activities provided in the instructional activity. Inherited traits are examined and identified as dominant or recessive.

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...

Students participate in a genetics activity in which they determine genotypes and phenotypes for given traits. They work with a partner and create babies based on their genotypes. Once traits for babies are determined, they write...

Students explore heredity. In this science lesson plan, students examine what heredity is, distinguish the difference between the dominant and recessive genes, explain the difference between phenotype and genotype, and predict the...

Learners explore genetics, chromosomes and DNA.  In this genetics lesson students design a chromosome and identify a family tree through genetics. 

Learners engage in a lesson that is concerned with the "X" chromosome and how ti is part of genetics with the use of Punnett squares. They use this tool in order to predict future genetic outcomes while focusing upon specific questions.

Students extract their own DNA from cheek cells. In this biology instructional activity, students explain the replication process. They identify the structure and composition of DNA.

Students read and discuss twin studies to explore the debate of nature vs. nurture. They create a list of characteristics and then look for evidence of whether it is primarily a genetic or environmental characteristic. All of the...

Students describe DNA and the roles in which engineers are involved with the human body.  In this DNA lesson students participate in a class demonstration. 

Students design a human genetic condition pamphlet which they present to the class and then take to a doctor's or pediatrician's office.

How effective are cells at repairing UV damage? An inquiry-based instructional activity has learners experiment with organism by exposing them to various levels of UV light and then examining their DNA after a period of time. Pupils test...

Students investigate the importance of sexual reproduction in evolution. In this sexual reproduction lesson plan, students simulate species with two traits: eye and skin color. They determine what characteristics are beneficial for the...

Learners explain how offspring inherit traits from their parents. In this biology lesson, students investigate the genes for nicotine addiction using an interactive website. They construct a fictional pedigree using their chosen...