Core Knowledge Foundation
Genetics and the Master Race
How did the beginnings of genetic research influence the Nazi party? A thorough, engaging unit incorporates the work of Gregor Mendel, the study of inherited traits, and the use of racism and discrimination during the Holocaust.
University of Colorado
Punnett Squares with Piebald Deer
Explore the science behind Earth's amazing diversity of life with this lesson on genetics. Looking at specific traits in piebald deer, carnations, and roan cattle, young scientists use Punnett...
US National Library of Medicine
Monster Genetics Lab
Harness young scientists' knowledge of genetics with an engaging science activity. Students start by flipping a coin to determine the genotypes and phenotypes of two parent monsters, before using Punnett squares to...
Curated OER
Changing Cicada
Students discuss inherited traits and relate to the inherited traits in a cicada. In this cicada lesson, students follow the life cycle of the cicada and observe the changes as it grows. Students discuss the characteristics of the...
Curated OER
DNA Detectives
Fifth graders define dominant and recessive genes and that they have DNA from their mother and father. In this inherited traits lesson, 5th graders complete a punnet square based on their parents traits. Students decorate...
Curated OER
Life Science 2c- From Parents to Young -Traits Bulletin Board
Students recognize what traits are inherited. In this inherited traits bulletin board lesson, students complete a chart showing what traits they have inherited and from whom.
Curated OER
Punnett Square Popcorn
In this genetics worksheet, students use the Punnett Square to learn about dominance and codominance in inherited traits. This worksheet has 1 short answer question and 6 problems to solve.
Curated OER
Traits
In this traits worksheet, students will complete a graphic organizer by filling in the definition and an example of inherited, learned, acquired, and manipulated traits.
Curated OER
Heredity
Learners are introduced to the basic principles of heredity. Through discussion and discrimination activities, they review the role of chromosomes and distinguish between those traits that can and cannot be inherited. Students use...
Curated OER
Tracking Down Traits
Sixth graders list traits that all sixth graders share. They receive worksheets "Tracking Down Traits," working in groups to complete the chart. Students share results with the class and a class summary is tallied. Students discuss the...
Curated OER
How Does a Pedigree Help Us to Trace a Trait That is Inherited?
Pupils analyze genetic patterns. In this pedigree lesson, students determine dominant or recessive inheritance. They construct a human pedigree from genetic information.
Curated OER
Heredity Worksheet #4
In this genetics worksheet, students use a pedigree to determine if any of the offspring carry a recessive trait. This worksheet has 5 fill in the blank and 5 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Is Our Health Inherited or Acquired?
Fifth graders list the traits they get from their parents and distinguish between inherited traits from acquired ones. They assess how to recognize influences that may affect body types and sizes and research on the internet heredity and...
Curated OER
Genetics: You Are Unique
Students investigate genetics as the study of inherited traits. They complete a worksheet.
Curated OER
Genetics- You Are Unique
Students identify inherited traits. In this genetics lesson, students participate in a discussion about traits and use a checklist to identify inherited traits. Students complete a hand-out.
Curated OER
Taster/Non-taster Lab Activity
Students determine if they are tasters or non-tasters and then replicate the experiment with family and peer group members. They collect data from the experiment to determine which trait is dominant.
Curated OER
Family Tree Video
Fifth graders create a video with photos with photos of their family members. They demonstrate an explain of traits that are inherited.
National Institutes of Health
National Center for Biotechnology Information: Pedigree Analysis
This ebook discusses the topic of human pedigree analysis, a type of genetic science used to determine inherited characteristics.
Concord Consortium
Concord Consortium: Stem Resources: Geniverse
A virtual world where students conduct genetics experiments on a model species called drakes. After the story narrative is introduced, they engage in a quest to heal a sick dragon. As they play, they will learn about the principles of...
University of Arizona
The Biology Project: Human Biology: Human Genetics Problem Set
A set of sixteen multiple-choice questions. Once solved, incorrect answers are linked to tutorials to help solve the problem.
University of Arizona
The Biology Project: Immunology: Eukaryotic Gene Expression Problem Set
Students have the opportunity to work through a problem set over Eukaryotic genes. Correct answers are reinforced with a brief explanation. Incorrect answers are linked to tutorials to help solve the problem.
Palomar Community College District
Palomar College: Mendels' Genetics
This site from Palomar College provides a good background on exactly what Mendel did. Vocabulary links throughout make this a very good introduction article for genetics.
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Aaas: Project 2061: Topic: Reproduction, Genes, and Heredity
[Free Registration/Login Required] Create a science test that checks for student understanding in science, for common misconceptions, as well as for correct ideas. This is a list of key ideas related to Reproduction, Genes, and Heredity....
BioEd Online
Bio Ed Online: Reebops: A "Model" Organism for Teaching Genetic Concepts
In this lesson students create imaginary creatures, called "Reebops," to explore the relationships between genes and inherited traits. Using Reebops as a model, students learn how hereditary information is passed from one generation to...