Lesson Plan

Hairy Heredity

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This Hairy Heredity lesson plan also includes:

Young scholars learn that heredity comes down to the flip of a coin with this cross-curricular math and science lesson. Using smiley faces as a model, students toss coins to determine which dominant or recessive traits will be passed on to a new baby smiley face, before finally drawing a picture and naming the offspring they create.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Have students complete this activity as a learning center during an introductory unit on genetics in the upper-elementary or middle school grade levels
  • Extend the activity by having students use their smiley faces to create a new generation
Classroom Considerations
  • Lesson assumes students have some back knowledge about genetics and heredity
Pros
  • Worksheets include graphic organizers that support students with completing each step of the activity
  • Background information about heredity and genetics is provided as support for teachers
  • A list of key vocabulary words and their definitions are included with the lesson
Cons
  • None