Activity

Understanding Variation

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Does where we live influence how our bodies express genetic traits? Explore variation in human skin color with an activity that incorporate video and hands-on learning. Individuals model the relationship between phenotypes and genotypes, then discover how genetic information helps scientists determine a person's ancestry.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Make the activities the focal point of a polygenic traits lesson
  • Have the class identify other polygenic traits, such as eye color, through a research project
Classroom Considerations
  • Show the video in class if pupils are not able to watch it for homework
  • Students will need prior knowledge of Mendelian genetics and inherited traits
Pros
  • Teacher's guide contains printable worksheets and an answer key to make grading simple
  • The lesson is a great way to incorporate geography and culture into the science classroom
Cons
  • None
Common Core