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Investigation

Genetics

In these lessons, students learn about Mendelian inheritance by solving the mystery of a red-headed daughter in a family of brunettes. Students will use the Mouse Genetics Gizmo to explore patterns of inheritance, come up with their own models of inheritance, and then compare their models to what they learn about genetics, alleles, and dominant and recessive traits.

Lesson Options

Designed for Middle School Students

Series

Genetics: Red-Hair Mystery

In this lesson series, students will explore Mendel's Laws through the phenomenon of a red-haired girl born from two brown-haired parents. Students will use the Mouse Genetics Gizmo to make observations, gather data, and test their predictions. Students will create their own models of inheritance, learn about dominant and recessive alleles, and use Punnett Squares to make specific predictions of genetic outcomes.

Standalone

Genetics: White Kittens

In this standalone lesson, students investigate the phenomenon of a tabby cat with a litter of white kittens. Students will use the Mouse Genetics Gizmo to come up with and test their own models before learning about dominant and recessive alleles and applying their learning to solve the phenomenon.

Genetics: Fancy Guinea Pigs

In this standalone lesson, students investigate the phenomenon of long-haired guinea pigs. After reviewing genetics basics, students will use Punnett Squares to model different genotype combinations, use the Mouse Genetics Gizmo to test their predictions, and then apply their learning to guinea pigs.

Lesson Materials

Genetics: Red-Hair Mystery

Teacher Guide Scientific Background Key Vocabulary Usage Guide

Genetics: White Kittens

Teacher Guide Scientific Background Key Vocabulary Usage Guide

Genetics: Fancy Guinea Pigs

Teacher Guide Scientific Background Key Vocabulary Usage Guide

Cell Energy Cycle

Explore the processes of photosynthesis and respiration that occur within plant and animal cells. The cyclical nature of the two processes can be constructed visually, and the simplified photosynthesis and respiration formulae can be balanced.

Flower Pollination

Observe the steps of pollination and fertilization in flowering plants. Help with many parts of the process by dragging pollen grains to the stigma, dragging sperm to the ovules, and removing petals as the fruit begins to grow. Quiz yourself when you are done by dragging vocabulary words to the correct plant structure.

Growing Plants

Investigate the growth of three common garden plants: tomatoes, beans, and turnips. You can change the amount of light each plant gets, the amount of water added each day, and the type of soil the seed is planted in. Observe the effect of each variable on plant height, plant mass, leaf color and leaf size. Determine what conditions produce the tallest and healthiest plants. Height and mass data are displayed on tables and graphs.

Plants and Snails

Study the production and use of gases by plants and animals. Measure the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in a test tube containing snails and elodea (a type of plant) in both light and dark conditions. Learn about the interdependence of plants and animals.