Understanding Variation

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This Understanding Variation activity also includes:

Does where we live influence how our bodies express genetic traits? Explore variation in human skin color with an activity that incorporate video and hands-on learning. Individuals model the relationship between phenotypes and genotypes, then discover how genetic information helps scientists determine a person's ancestry.

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CCSS: Adaptable NGSS: Designed

Concepts

genetic variation, genetics, skin, ultraviolet radiation, genetic traits, inherited traits, traits, alleles, genes, genotypes, indigenous people, phenotypes, nucleotides, polygenic traits

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

Make the activities the focal point of a polygenic traits lesson
Have the class identify other polygenic traits, such as eye color, through a research project

Classroom Considerations

Show the video in class if pupils are not able to watch it for homework
Students will need prior knowledge of Mendelian genetics and inherited traits

Pros

Teacher's guide contains printable worksheets and an answer key to make grading simple
The lesson is a great way to incorporate geography and culture into the science classroom