Virginia Department of Education
Mendelian Genetics
How did Mendel know which pea plants would demonstrate certain characteristics? Pupils explore the answer this question, among others, as they complete Punnet squares, research dominant and recessive traits, and explore hereditary...
California Academy of Science
Color Vision Genetics Evolution Simulation
At one point, all mammals carried only two color receptors, but now most humans carry three. An informative presentation and hands-on activity demonstrate how this evolved through genetics. By participating in the activity, pupils...
Curated OER
Your Eyes Saw My Unformed Body: closing lesson
For those who teach and believe in Intelligent Design, this lesson is perfect. Religion learners read and discuss Psalm 139: 1-18, and present their cell representation in class. They then watch a speech by Louie Giglio about the protein...
Curated OER
Paint's Family Tree
Fifth graders learn about hereditary traits and family trees. In this heredity lesson, 5th graders act out a family tree skit and complete a 'trait summary' worksheet. Students then complete the 'Paint's Family Tree' worksheet. Students...
Curated OER
Genetic Testing for Disease Susceptibility
Students explore how testing for particular genetic variations can help people to make decisions in lifestyle and health care choices. They analyze a Web-based case study, participate in class discussion, view video segments and...
Curated OER
Living Corn Necklace
Sixth graders complete an experiment to learn about hereditary traits. In this hereditary traits instructional activity, 6th graders discuss similarities and differences in corn and complete charts for their discussion. Students then use...
Curated OER
Human Inheritance
High schoolers analyze genetic characteristics in a given family tree through the F2 generation. Students apply prior knowledge from Gregor Mendel's study with pea plants and his Laws of Heredity to answer questions.
Curated OER
Genetics
Comprehend that many human characteristics-all physical traits and possibly many personality traits-are determined by our genetic makeup. These activities demonstate that all physical traits are genetically determined, some evidence...
Curated OER
A Look Into the Past
Pupils practice looking at their genetics to inquire about their past. In groups, they determine their recessive and dominant genes and plot their height on a graph. They compare and contrast the processes of meiosis and mitosis. ...
Curated OER
Heredity, Genetics, Traits
Eighth graders study how an embryo develops into a fetus by undergoing many physical changes which they observe on a poster. They examine the metamorphosis of fruit flies as they develop through a series of changes. They record the...
Curated OER
Heredity And Environment
Students complete a pre-test on the relationship between heredity and the environment. As a class, they write down descriptions of themselves and identify which traits can be changed and not changed. In groups, they determine which genes...
Curated OER
Standard 4 Review Sheet-Genetics and Inheritance
In this genetics worksheet, students answer a variety of questions about inheritance, DNA, the genetic code, genes, sexual and asexual reproduction, mutations, protein synthesis and genetic engineering.
Curated OER
Here's Looking at You
Students assess some common inherited traits which are easily observable and note their phenotype for the trait. Students compare their phenotypes to those of their parents and attempt to describe the pattern and manor of inheritance.
Curated OER
Adapting to the World
Students consider dog breeds that are helpful to humans and their hereditary link to wolves. For this biology lesson, student research a dog breed for traits that make it useful to humans. Students write a report of how these traits...
Curated OER
Building a Model DNA
Middle schoolers explain the function of DNA in the body. In this biology lesson, students build a DNA model using simple materials. They demonstrate how bases pair up in the helix.
Curated OER
Mendelian and Non-Mendelian Heredity
Tenth graders discuss their physical features, and why they look the way they do. They listen as the teacher discusses DNA, alleles, and dominant or recessive genes. Students perform an experiment with different colored markers...