Curated OER
Exploring Human Traits
Students explore human behavior by participating in a class science game. In this human characteristics instructional activity, students identify different human traits that are passed down by each generation and the purpose each of them...
Beyond Benign
Lucky Brand Genes: Genetic Traits
Explore single-gene traits in humans. After viewing a video introducing genetic vocabulary, individuals identify their phenotype and possible genotypes of specific traits. They consider both dominant and recessive traits. This is the...
US National Library of Medicine
Genetic Traits in Harry Potter
Explore human genetics through the world of Harry Potter. A thorough lesson develops the introductory concepts of genetics using characters of the popular book series. Learners study topics from DNA and chromosomes to Punnett Squares and...
California Academy of Science
Color Vision Genetics Evolution Simulation
At one point, all mammals carried only two color receptors, but now most humans carry three. An informative presentation and hands-on activity demonstrate how this evolved through genetics. By participating in the activity, pupils...
Curated OER
Human Heredity Vocabulary
Ninth graders review the terms "aneuploidy," "fetus," and "karyotype" in this vocabulary worksheet, which includes three multiple choice questions about each term. This activity could be expanded into a more developed vocabulary lesson...
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...
Science Friday
Colorful Chromosomes
Everything is in the genes. Individuals observe 14 different traits of themselves. Using pipe cleaners and beads, the learners create models of a chromosome representing their traits. The class then compares and contrasts everyone's...
Curated OER
Raven Chapter 13 Guided Notes: Patterns of Inheritance
In this short space, it would be impossible to describe the breadth of this seven-page genetics worksheet. Geared toward AP or college biology learners, they explore not only the basic vocabulary and concepts, but also the Law of...
Curated OER
Human Traits
Learners study vocabulary and complete a survey. In this human traits lesson students collect and analyze data then discuss what they learned.
Oklahoma State University
Hairy Heredity
Young scholars learn that heredity comes down to the flip of a coin with this cross-curricular math and science instructional activity. Using smiley faces as a model, students toss coins to determine which dominant or recessive traits...
Curated OER
Analyzing Character Traits
Students read "Frog and Toad are Friends" and investigate physical, emotional, and mental character traits. They brainstorm a list of character traits that make a good friend. The list is placed into a visual ranking system that is...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Human Skin Color: Evidence for Selection
Skin color is controlled by at least six genes. Young scientists learn about skin colors through a documentary. They discuss the topics of pigment, natural selection, and vitamin D absorption. They apply their knowledge to higher order...
Curated OER
Mapping the Human Genome
Students study DNA and how it was discovered. In this biology lesson students see the effects of mapping the human genome would have.
LABScI
Genetic Equilibrium: Human Diversity
Investigate the Hardy-Weinberg Principle to explain genetic equilibrium. The 10th lesson plan of a series of 12 is a laboratory exploration of genetic equilibrium. Your classes use a mixture of beans to model allele and genotype...
California Academy of Science
Human Evolution
As the great and hilarious Tim Minchin once said, "Science is simply the word we use to describe a method of organizing our curiosity." Science is more than just a guess; it is based on questions, observations, and evidence. High...
Scholastic
Study Jams! Heredity
Mia wishes her blue hair was inherited so that she wouldn't have to dye it, but Sam explains that eye color is. The video does not expound upon the concept of alleles. It does, however, describe inherited traits vs. learned behavior, and...
Curated OER
Patterns of Heredity Vocabulary
Test your students' biology vocabulary skills with this review sheet, in which students define twelve different vocabulary terms related to patterns of heredity. Using the word bank provided, 9th graders complete eight sentences with the...
Curated OER
Character Education Podcasts
Learners study character traits. In this character education lesson plan, students create podcasts highlighting a particular character trait. Learners broadcast one podcast per week.
Curated OER
"Split" Character Studies in Crime and Punishment
Students write an essay evaluating split character traits on major characters in Dostoevsky's novel Crime and Punishment. For this lesson students are guided through discussion questions, group assignments, and vocabulary work. The...
Curated OER
Human Genetic Disorder Probabilities
In this genetic disorders worksheet, students complete punnett squares for six different human genetic disorders. They predict the outcome of the offspring including the phenotypes and genotypes of each.
North Carolina State University
Exploring Genetics Across the Middle School Science and Math Curricula
Where is a geneticist's favorite place to swim? A gene pool. Young geneticists complete hands-on activities, experiments, and real-world problem solving throughout the unit. With extra focus on dominant and recessive genes, Punnett...
Chicago Botanic Garden
Migration, Adaptation, and Changing Climates
It is easy for humans to adapt to changing environments, but how do animals and plants do it? Classes discuss how plants and animals deal with environmental changes in the second of seven lessons. Through questions and discussions,...
Curated OER
Production and Trade
Students discuss production and trade. In this business lesson, students read the book Ox-Cart Man and identify the traits of entrepreneurs. Students discuss ways a person can improve their job performance.
Curated OER
Lesson 10: Karyotypes
Students predict traits of future offspring. In this biology lesson, students study karyotyping to predict genetic disorders. They research an assigned karyotype and present information about it.