Jasmin Colon, Samantha Milite, Brianne Niewinski

Content Area: Science

Grade Level: 7th Grade

Standards:

3.1.7.B1 - Explain how genetic instructions influence inherited traits. Identify Mendelian

patterns of inheritance.

Theme: Genetics and Traits

Lesson Topic: Inherited traits by family members

Objectives:

Language:

Students will be able to explain how their traits were passed down from their parents

by using vocabulary from the lesson.

Students will be able to write about the process of Mendels pea plants.

Content:

Students will be able to identify how traits are passed down.

Students will be able to label the parts of a Punnett square

Students will be able to create their own Punnett square

Learning Strategies :

Students will fill out chronological graphic organizers, starting from their oldest relative

(grandparents) and describe their characteristics.

Teacher will use instructional scaffolding to guide the students thoughts on what genetics is at

the beginning of the lesson.

Students will record their thoughts at the end of the lesson in their notebooks, and use

vocabulary terms in their explanations.

Key Vocabulary:

Gene - a unit of heredity that is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine

some characteristic of the offspring.

Genetics - the study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

Reproduction - the production of offspring by a sexual or asexual process.

Traits - a genetically determined characteristic

Punnett square - a type of grid that can indicate all the possible outcomes of a genetic cross.

Dominant - relating to heritable characteristics that are controlled by genes that are expressed

in offspring even when inherited from only one parent.

Recessive - relating to heritable characteristics controlled by genes that are expressed in

offspring only when inherited from both parents.

(Language will be reinforced through video and worksheet/quiz)

Materials:

Computer

Whiteboard

Youtube clip Heredity: Crash Course Biology #9

Questions for Simon Says game

Worksheet
MOTIVATION:

Students will be able to draw from their own experiences to determine what traits they inherited

from their parents. Students can compare and contrast certain characteristics from their parents

to their own. Students will be interested in this topic because they will be able to understand

why they are made the way they are.

PRESENTATION:

Comprehensible Input -

During the Punnett square creation activity:

Teacher would teach students how to use a lesson plan- I, WE, and You model.

Students would complete practice problems with neighbor.

Teacher will reinforce the Punnett square concept by completing a Simon Says game

with students.

EX: If your mother had brown eyes and your father had brown eyes

what color would your eyes be?

Teacher will show a YouTube clip in order for students to visualize different aspects in

genetics.

PRACTICE AND APPLICATION:

Punnett squares - identifying and labeling and application

Bringing in pictures of family members or different plants/animals in their life

Explaining Mendel and his work with pea plants - what he discovered and how it can be

applied across species

Creating their own punnett squares

Create their own person with different traits

REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT:

The students will complete the worksheet at the end of the lesson to determine if they
 understand the material. An assessment of their skills will also be viewed as they use the

terminology covered in the Simon Says game, and through creating their own Punnett square.

EXTENSION:

This lesson can be extended by learning about different variations that can occur in genetics,

such as abnormalities in chromosomes or DNA. This can also be extended to literature through

books regarding family or heritage.

Name:_____________________________________ Date:____________

Genetics Worksheet
Match the word with the definition.

a. Recessive Trait d. Unique

b. Genetics e. Dominant Trait
c. Inherited Traits f. Gene

1. _____ One of a kind

2. _____ Personal characteristics that are passed to offspring
from parents-dimples, hitchhikers thumb, eye color
3. _____ The study of heredity
4. _____ A trait that is more common
5. _____ A trait that is rare
6. _____ A set of instructions for an inherited trait
7. Which characteristic is not inherited?
a. Hairline (straight or widows peak)
b. Spoken language (Spanish, English, etc.)
c. Earlobes (attaches or detached)
d. Hair type (straight or curly)
8. True or False: You inherit traits from your siblings.
9. Circle the traits that are inherited:
Blood type Creative Eye Color Cleft Chin
Intelligence Freckles Color Blindness Accent
10. In a complete sentence describe one trait you inherited from your parents and one
trait that you learned from your parents.
 Genetics Quiz-Key
Match the word with the definition.

a. Recessive Trait d. Unique

b. Genetics e. Dominant Trait
c. Inherited Traits f. Gene

11.__d__ One of a kind

12.__c_ Personal characteristics that are passed to offspring
from parents-dimples, hitchhikers thumb, eye color
13.__b__ The study of heredity
14.__e__ A trait that is more common
15.__a_ A trait that is rare
16.__f__ A set of instructions for an inherited trait
17.Which characteristic is not inherited?
a. Hairline (straight or widows peak)
b. Spoken language (Spanish, English, etc.)
c. Earlobes (attaches or detached)
d. Hair type (straight or curly)
18.True or False: You inherit traits from your siblings.
19.Circle the traits that are inherited:
Blood type Creative Eye Color Cleft Chin
Intelligence Freckles Color Blindness Accent
20. In a complete sentence describe one trait you inherited from your parents and one
trait that you learned from your parents.
Answers Vary.