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
Variation and Heredity
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...
Core Knowledge Foundation
Genetics and the Master Race
How did the beginnings of genetic research influence the Nazi party? A thorough, engaging unit incorporates the work of Gregor Mendel, the study of inherited traits, and the use of racism and discrimination during the Holocaust.
University of Washington
Pasta Genetics
Four different-shaped and dyed pasta types represent four different alleles. Following a guide sheet, young geneticists practice randomly selecting alleles and discover the traits of the resulting offspring. This is a fun and solid...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Got Lactase? The Co-Evolution of Genes and Culture
Does the human body evolve as quickly as human culture? With a stellar 15-minute video, explore the trait of lactose intolerance. Only about 1/3 of human adults seem to still have the enzyme lactase and therefore, the ability to digest...
Columbus City Schools
Heredity: Traits, Genes, Alleles
If you knew people would pay extra for a bald dragon, could you pick which parents you should breed in order to get the highest number? The unit examines heredity and genetics through breeding dragons, mice, dogs, and tries to figure...
Curated OER
The Human Genotype
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...
University of Washington
Toothpick Fish
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...
Curated OER
Recombination and Pedigrees
Biology aces answer four questions about genetic recombination and nine questions about pedigrees. This worksheet is very focused on these two topics. Most of the pedigree questions relate to the genetic disorders, Alkaptonuria and...
Curated OER
Where'd You Get Those Genes?
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...
Curated OER
Genetics and Heredity
Students study genetics and heredity. They explore the structure of DNA and genes through a series of activities that includes watching videos, conducting online research, and making vocabulary books. They investigate DNA, genetics,...
Curated OER
Heredity
In this science worksheet, middle schoolers find the answers to various types of heredity problems. They use the sheet to set goals for completing the unit.
DiscoverE
Building with Biology
Seeing is believing! Bring DNA to life for young biologists using a simple extraction lab. Individuals extract the DNA from wheat germ, then place it in a microcentrifuge tube for observation. They thread yarn or other material through...
Curated OER
Genetics and Heredity
Students explore genetics and heredity. They study meiosis and view videos and create vocabulary flashcards. They create a graphic organizer that compares and contrasts sexual and asexual reproduction in each of the six kingdoms. They...
Curated OER
Patterns of Heredity
Learners describe the differences between incomplete dominance and codominant alleles, and between multiple alleles and polygenic inheritance. They describe how internal and external environments affect gene expression. They then...
Curated OER
An Inventory of My Traits
In this biology activity, students identify and describe a number of easily observable genetic traits and compare the traits they have with other students. Then they identify and describe that some traits are common while others are not...
Curated OER
Genetic Disorders
Seventh graders discuss traits, traits that are inherited and how genes and chromosomes carry the code for traits. They research genetic disorders and their link to chromosome abnormalites and write a report on their findings. which...
Curated OER
GMOs: Should We Grow Them?
Students examine the ethics of biotechnology and genetically modifying various organisms. They complete various activities and labs on GMOs and then write a position paper regarding their individual opinions on the subject.
Curated OER
Chromosomes
Young scholars explore genetics, chromosomes and DNA. In this genetics lesson students design a chromosome and identify a family tree through genetics.
Curated OER
The Ladder of Life
Students explain the concepts of what DNA is and where it is located in a cell, identify the two types of molecules that make up the rungs of a DNA molecule and identify the two types of Purine and Pyrimidine molecules
Curated OER
Biotechnology/Bioinformatics Activity
Students demonstrate the genetic principles of Heredity. They discover that each species has a unique Genetic fingerprint and that people can use "Genetic fingerprints" to solve a number of problems. They discuss examples of uses of DNA...
Curated OER
Whose DNA Is That?
Students investigate the use of technology in order to identify different sequences of amino acids by using online web tools. They enhance problem solving skills with amino acid identification skills and strengthening comfort with using...
Curated OER
Cell Reproduction and Inheritance
Students determine their inherited characteristics from their parents. In this biology lesson plan, students study the life of Mendel using an interactive website. They differentiate dominant and recessive characteristics.
Curated OER
Genes
Students explore the history, inheritance and mutations of genetics. In this genetic lesson plan students complete experiments on DNA sequences.