Biology Junction
Mendelian Genetics
Over the course of seven years, Gregor Mendel grew more than 28,000 pea plants. The large amount of data he collected led him to postulate the rules of genetics as we understand them today. Scholars learn about Mendel, genetics, and...
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Genetic Inheritance Follows Rules
Rules are not meant to be broken in genetics. Scholars learn to build Punnett squares to track the inheritance of dominant and recessive traits in an interactive animation activity. Online questions help individuals reflect on their...
Curated OER
Genetics PowerPoint
If mom is bald, will her babies be bald? Here is a practical presentation that can answer that question. Viewers can take notes on the difference between dominant and recessive genes, mutations, and heritability. A large portion of the...
Towson University
Mystery of the Crooked Cell
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...
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...
Serendip
Genetics
A handout on genetic inheritance begins with a reading on alleles and how they can result in albinism. Junior geneticists learn to complete Punnett squares and participate in a coin toss simulation of allele pairing. They also learn...
New York City Department of Education
Grade 9-10 Literacy in Science: Using DNA to Solve a Crime
Scholars become detectives and use science to solve a crime! A complete unit introduces DNA and includes hands-on activities that have learners model DNA and extract it from different food types. A culminating activity challenges...
Towson University
Mystery Disease
How did scientists determine the cause of illness before technology? Science scholars play the role of medical researcher in an engaging guided inquiry activity. Using observations, technical reading, and Punnett squares, learners...
Virginia Department of Education
Passing Traits to Offspring
What makes each one of us unique? Lead your class in this exciting and educational activity as you uncover traits that show how each individual is different from another. Pupils explore facts about DNA technology and predict the...
Curated OER
Punnett Squares
Fifth graders examine how traits are passed to their offspring using Punnett Squares. They demonstrate how a Punnett Square works by physically moving around boxes taped on the floor, representing the different traits of chicks and...
Curated OER
Dare to be Punnett Square
Eighth graders become familiar with Punnett squares, specifically purpose, application and interpretation. Key terms from previous lessons (included below) are reviewed/reinforced before data is applied to a Punnett square and interpreted.
US National Library of Medicine
Genetic Traits in Harry Potter
Explore human genetics through the world of Harry Potter. A thorough lesson develops the introductory concepts of genetics using characters of the popular book series. Learners study topics from DNA and chromosomes to Punnett Squares and...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
The Teosinte Hypothesis
Don't want to sound corny, but your class will be a-maize-d by an engaging activity! Explore the history of the modern corn plant through a video and Punnett squares. Junior genetics experts get hands-on experience with actual research...
Kenan Fellows
A Farmer’s Challenge to Breed to the Greatest of Grapes
What does your class know about GMOs? Are they savvy to selective breeding? Challenge young minds to engineer the greatest crop of all time using a hands-on genetics unit. Learners discover the good and bad details of selective breeding,...
Serendip
Soap Opera Genetics – Genetics to Resolve Family Arguments
Did she cheat on her husband? Did the hospital switch the babies? Should they have children? As much as this sounds like the plot for a soap opera, all of these questions fit into a single lesson on genetics. Scholars read about three...
Curated OER
Simple Genetics Practice Problems
Geneticists of the future identify heterozygous and homozygous genotypes, describe phenotypes, and use Punnett squares to solve problems and determine characteristics of offspring. A total of 15 questions make this a compact quiz or...
Curated OER
Activity: Gummy Bear Genetics
Who's your Daddy ... and Mommy for that matter? Given a first-generation group of gummy bear offspring, young scientists must determine which bears are their parents. An activity instructional activity covers the differences in genotypes...
Curated OER
Punnett Square Popcorn
In this genetics worksheet, students use the Punnett Square to learn about dominance and codominance in inherited traits. This worksheet has 1 short answer question and 6 problems to solve.
Biology Junction
Genetic Problems
In a world of DNA testing popularity, understanding how to solve basic genetic problems allows scholars to better understand and interpret test results. They work through many different types of genetic problems using statistics, Punnett...
Curated OER
When Heredity Follows Different Rules
In this heredity worksheet, learners will create 3 Punnett squares to determine the genotype and phenotype of the offspring from specific breedings. Then students will answer 7 true or false questions based on chromosomes and sex-linked...
Curated OER
Mendelian Inheritance of Human Traits
In this Mendelian inheritance worksheet, students will use a pedigree to complete 4 short answer questions about recessive and dominant traits. Then students will create a Punnett square. Finally, students will match 5 genetic disorders...
Curated OER
It's in the Genes!
Help your students discover more about themselves with these great lesson ideas involving heredity, genetics, and Punnett Squares.
Curated OER
Punnett Practice
In this genetics learning exercise, students complete 8 problems where they fill out Punnett squares and find the percentage of genotypes and phenotypes. This fine learning exercise could be used for in-class independent practice, or as...
Curated OER
Human Genetic Disorder Probabilities
In this genetic disorders worksheet, high schoolers complete punnett squares for six different human genetic disorders. They predict the outcome of the offspring including the phenotypes and genotypes of each.