Format
1. The program will begin with an introduction to genetics, and what the study of genetics entails.
2. The educator will engage the students in a question and answer related to DNA and Genes to provide a discussion-based learning structure.
3. The educator will elaborate on the meaning of DNA, Chromosomes, Genes, Alleles (dominant and recessive/heterozygous and homozygous), and inheritance.
4. The educator will demonstrate a few physical traits that are inherited (hitchhiker's thumb, top thumb in a hand clasp, widow's peak) and then introduce the activity.
5. The student's will determine their own possible genotypes (with respect to their traits and the possible genotypes for each trait) and note them on the traits worksheet.
6. After they have completed the traits worksheet, the students will complete the tongue mapping activity.
7. If time allows, we take questions
Objectives
- Develop an understanding of genes as the smallest units of inherited material.
- Distinguish which traits are inherited through genes.
- Determine one's own potential genotype given the information regarding heterozygous or homozygous genotypes.
Standards Alignment
National Standards
LS1A 6-8 -- Structure and function
LS1A 9-12 -- Structure and function
LS3A 6-8 -- Inheritance of traits
LS3A 9-12 -- Inheritance of traits
LS3B 6-8 -- Variation of traits
LS3B 9-12 -- Variation of traits
LS4D 6-8 -- Biodiversity and humans
LS4D 9-12 -- Biodiversity and humans