TENNESSEE SCIENCE UNIT

AUTHOR(S)

Diana Price

COURSE/

GRADE LEVEL

Science/ Math ~ Grade 8

CONTENT AREA

Ratios/ Proportions and Genetics

TOPIC

Heredity/ Genetics

TIME FRAME

2 Weeks

NUMBER OF LESSONS

7

TARGETED TENNESSEE

STANDARDS/
LEARNING EXPECTATIONS

4.2 examine differences between dominant and recessive traits.

4.3 investigate the relationship among DNA, genes, chromosomes, and the genetic code of life.

8.4.spi.3 differentiate between dominant and recessive traits.

8.4.spi.4 predict the genotypes of offspring in a monohybrid cross using a Punnett Square.

8.4.spi.5 select models or illustrations that are representations of DNA.

SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT

8.4.tpi.5 construct and interpret a Punnett Square to predict the outcome of a monohybrid cross.

                              8.4.tpi.6 distinguish between dominant and recessive traits given the results of a monohybrid cross

OVERVIEW OF STUDENT LEARNING ACTIVITIES

  LESSON  1

Mendel’s Peas- Students will be introduced to Mendel and his work with the peas. Students will gain knowledge of what heredity is and how it affects them. What are dominant and recessive traits? Basic Vocabulary knowledge for heredity and genetics using crossword.

Engagement

Mendel’s Peas Stage 1

 LESSON 2

Students will be doing in class experiments to discover what traits, dominant or recessive, they have. 

Engagement

Dominant and Recessive Traits

  LESSON 3

  What is a ratio and why do I need it for Science? Using Math Break and Ratio/Percentages worksheets that correlate with Science.

Explanation

Ratios/Percentages

  LESSON 4

Punnett Square- What is it? How do I make one? Putting alleles into the Punnett square.

Explanation

Punnet Squares

 LESSON 5

Probablity- what is it? How does it work with a punnet square? What were your chances?  Lab using coins as a follow up.

Explanation
Punnett Squares

Lesson 6

Inherited What? -  Performance Assessment making living Punnett squares using martian genes.

Exploring/Performance Assesment

Inherited What?

 LESSON 7

Technology Lab- Mendel’s Peas~ The Princess and the Pea Activity.  Cross pollination/breeding of pea plants. ( Their own Mendel Lab)  

Create Puppet Show using Mice genetics.  See Activity of Punnett Squares for links

Extension

Princess and the Pea  &

 Punnett Square

 (Extension Activity on this lesson)

CURRICULUM INTEGRATIONS

MATHEMATICS

8.2.tpi.2. Represent and analyze a variety of patterns with tables, graphs, and words.

5.4 Understand and apply basic concepts of probability.

        8.5.spi.6. Connect the symbolic representation of a probability to an experiment.

8.5.tpi.1. Design studies and collect data for scientific investigations

 Go to Mathematics Standards…

 TN Mathematics Standards…

 Go to Social Studies Standards…

 TN Social Studies Standards…

TECHNOLOGY

SCIENCE TOP CURRICULUM WEB LINKS:
STARTING POINTS

Access Excellence: National Health Museum

American Chemical Society

Annenberg/CPB Teacher's Lab

Biology Resources and Links

Biozone

Classroom Connect

Discovery School

Education Gateway

Education World

Exploratorium

Explore Learning

How Stuff Works

JASON Project

Journey North

Jokes and Science

Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators

NASA Education Resources

National Science Teachers Association

National Earth Science Teachers Association

Nearing Zero Science Humor

New York Times Learning Network

North Harris College

NOVA

Performance Assessment Links in Science

Physical Science Resource Center

Science Guides ($)

Science NetLinks

 The Education Index Award Home Page

The Why Files

WebQuest Home Page