Genetics Challenge

Imagine a pair of dragons that produce offspring. What percentage of the hatchlings have wings and large antlers? An engaging activity draws genetics learners in, introduces them to alleles, meiosis, phenotypes, genotypes, and...

Six pages begin with a detailed introduction to meiosis and homologous chromosome pairs. Instructions guide learners through a simulation in which they draw craft sticks marked with autosomes in order to decode the genes inherited by...

In a sweet simulation, junior geneticists examine the chromosomes of a fictitious Reebop marshmallow animal, combine chromosomes to produce offspring, and then make a model of the resulting Reebop baby. Phenotypes include number of...

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...

In the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico, some tiny creatures show just how quickly natural selection can turn a mutation into an advantageous adaptation. Watch a video about rock pocket mice, who show that one small change can make all...

How do organisms end up with such a wide variety of traits? It's in their genes! Kick off your inherited traits lesson using a brief video that covers alleles and genes. The narrator describes heterozygous and homozygous genotypes, how...

Trace simple genetic patterns of inheritance through a small population. Your high schoolers create a family pedigree that traces a genetic condition through several generations.

Introduce your biologists to Gregor Mendel, the man responsible for Mendelian genetics. The resource explains the experiment that made him famous and sparked interest in genetics everywhere. Also take a closer look at Huntington's...

Young scientists explore Gregor Mendel's work on pea plants, his laws of segregation and independent assortment. They work through genetic problems and then finish by looking at Huntington's disease and genetic testing. 

Excellent examples and clear diagrams in this PowerPoint will help you explain the genetics of alleles and the combinations of hybrid crosses. A high school class would appreciate having this student copy of the PowerPoint as the images...