Description
Students will learn about genetics, mutations, and trait advantages. They will use a model to describe genetic mutations. They will learn about asexual and sexual reproduction and genetic variation with lesson plans, interactive notebook flaps, and labs.
These engaging activities intended to address the NGSS MS standards:
NGSS MS-LS3-1 Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism.
NGSS MS LS3-2 Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction result in offspring with genetic variation.
Also
Utah SEEd 7.4.1
Develop and use a model to explain the effect that different types of reproduction have on genetic variation, including asexual and sexual reproduction.
and Utah SEED 7.4.3
Develop and use a model to describe why genetic mutations may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects on the structure and function of the organism. Emphasize the conceptual idea that changes to traits can happen because of genetic mutations. Specific changes of genes at the molecular level, mechanisms for protein synthesis, and specific types of mutations will be introduced at the high school level.
This resource includes two informative slideshows, nonfiction text passages on genetics, interactive notebook flaps, lesson plans, labs, task cards, a game on mutation, response sheets, and a multiple-choice assessment. Answer keys are included!
Students will use Punnett Squares to determine the possible percentages of genotype and phenotype of offspring. They will learn about dominant and recessive alleles as well as about co-dominance and incomplete dominance. Students will make a model to show their understanding of three types of mutations: deletion, insertion, and substitution. Students will learn that Students will learn about asexual reproduction and will compare the advantages and disadvantages of asexual reproduction versus sexual reproduction. And finally, students will learn about natural selection and how some mutations give a species an advantage which may be passed onto offspring. Note: This resource does not address RNA translation which is a high school concept and standard.
If the whole unit is completed I estimate it will take about 11 days. A suggested schedule is included.
Students will enjoy the variety of activities about genetics, heredity, mutations, natural selection, traits, sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction, genetic variation, and trait advantages.
