Unit Plan: Introduction to Genetics
This Unit is designed to introduce the concept of genetics to high school students, a topic that many students struggle with due to the demand for complex thinking skills, problem solving, and the introduction of an entire new "language". In this Unit, I will be focusing on teaching basic genetic concepts and skills to students so that they can later handle more complex genetic thinking. A focus will be placed on understanding terminology, how to complete Punnet Squares for simple dominance and sex-linked traits, and how the processes of Mitosis and Meiosis tie into genetics.
Timeline
NC Essential Standards for Biology
Bio 3.2.1 Explain the role of meiosis in sexual reproduction and genetic variation
Bio 3.2.2 Predict offspring ratios based on a variety of inheritance patterns (including dominance, incomplete dominance, multiple alleles, and sex-linked traits)
Bio 3.2.2 Predict offspring ratios based on a variety of inheritance patterns (including dominance, incomplete dominance, multiple alleles, and sex-linked traits)
Technology Standards
HS.SI.1.1 Evaluate resources for reliability (reliability can be determined by currency, credibility, authority, etc. depending on the curriculum topic)
HS.SI.1.3 Evaluate content for relevance to the assigned task
HS.TT.1.1 Use appropriate technology tools and other resources to access information (multi-database search engines, online primary resources, virtual interviews with content experts)
HS.TT.1.3 Use appropriate technology tools and other resources to design products to share with others (e.g. multimedia presentations, Web 2.0 tools. graphics, podcasts, audio files).
HS.SI.1.3 Evaluate content for relevance to the assigned task
HS.TT.1.1 Use appropriate technology tools and other resources to access information (multi-database search engines, online primary resources, virtual interviews with content experts)
HS.TT.1.3 Use appropriate technology tools and other resources to design products to share with others (e.g. multimedia presentations, Web 2.0 tools. graphics, podcasts, audio files).
Unit Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: Students will use Punnet Squares to predict offspring ratios.
Objective 1: When given parental genotypes, students will create a Punnet Square in order to determine four possible genotypes for offspring.
Objective 2: When given sex-linked parental genotypes, students will create a Punnet Square in order to determine possible genotypes for male and female offspring.
Goal 2: Students will have a basic understanding of genetic terminology.
Objective 1: When given a genetic word problem, students will be able to identify what the problem is asking by distinguishing dominance and labeling individuals as heterozygote or homozygote.
Objective 2: When given a genetic term, students will be able to give a correct definition by reflecting back on Frayer Vocabulary graphic
organizers they completed.
Goal 3: Students will understand the processes of mitosis and meiosis and how they relate to genetics.
Objective 1: When given a choice assignment relating to mitosis and meiosis, students will be able to convey their knowledge of the steps of mitosis and meiosis by correctly identifying the steps of each process and highlighting the importance of each step.
Objective 1: When given parental genotypes, students will create a Punnet Square in order to determine four possible genotypes for offspring.
Objective 2: When given sex-linked parental genotypes, students will create a Punnet Square in order to determine possible genotypes for male and female offspring.
Goal 2: Students will have a basic understanding of genetic terminology.
Objective 1: When given a genetic word problem, students will be able to identify what the problem is asking by distinguishing dominance and labeling individuals as heterozygote or homozygote.
Objective 2: When given a genetic term, students will be able to give a correct definition by reflecting back on Frayer Vocabulary graphic
organizers they completed.
Goal 3: Students will understand the processes of mitosis and meiosis and how they relate to genetics.
Objective 1: When given a choice assignment relating to mitosis and meiosis, students will be able to convey their knowledge of the steps of mitosis and meiosis by correctly identifying the steps of each process and highlighting the importance of each step.
Pre-Assessment, Post-Assessment, and Gradebook
For my Pre-Assessment, I will give a five question short answer "quiz" to students when they walk in the door on Monday to assess what they remember from middle school science classes. I will reassure them that it will not count for a grade, but to still complete the quiz to the best of their ability.
Pre-Assessment Quiz
For my Post-Assessment, I will be using a tic-tac-toe choice board. Students will be given nine possible assignments that they are allowed to choose three from, one from each vertical column.
Genetics Tic-Tac-Toe
An example of a gradebook for this Unit was created using Microsoft Excel software.
Gradebook
Pre-Assessment Quiz
For my Post-Assessment, I will be using a tic-tac-toe choice board. Students will be given nine possible assignments that they are allowed to choose three from, one from each vertical column.
Genetics Tic-Tac-Toe
An example of a gradebook for this Unit was created using Microsoft Excel software.
Gradebook