A variety of topics have come up as my GT students and I read The Giver, a novel that fits in well with a study of philosophy and our year-long theme, IMPACT (read more about that here).
Genetic science has always emerged in our discussions because of the role of genetic engineering in the story. The setting is a community striving to create “sameness” and eliminate all kinds of diversity in people (i.e. eye color, hair color, skin color). The students often know some of the basics of genetics, but they are curious to learn more and benefit from the hands-on activities that reinforce the concepts.
Here are some activities I used in my classroom:
Inherited Traits ~ Pictured below are students in the midst of a simulation to better understand what Gregor Mendel, “The Father of Genetics,” discovered in his experiments with pea plants. From his very first experiments, he was learning how traits are passed down from one generation to the next.
I like to begin with questions such as, “What do you know about heredity?” “What is genetics?” The first page of this PDF answers those questions and includes the basic information for a good introduction to the simulation. In Mendel’s first experiment, he studied tall and short pea plants.
After briefly explaining what Mendel did, I explained that a simple simulation would help them understand. Since I wasn’t able to find the simulation we used, I created a modified version! This lesson (FREE) will introduce dominant and recessive genes in a visual way and help students understand why some characteristics skip generations.
In the video below, a demonstration to a large group of students reinforces Mendel’s first experiment as well.
Many other hands-on activities present inherited traits in a variety of ways, such as this one from Teach.Genetics in which students use colored pom poms. You can find the teacher’s guide here.
After the inherited traits simulation, we usually did some reading about heredity and DNA. In our classroom, we had KidsDiscover magazines, including KidsDiscover CELLS, and this was the source of most of our learning about heredity and DNA. KidsDiscover Online is an amazing library of interactive resources and they do offer a 30-day free trial if you’d like to check it out.
Two of my students’ favorite activities were making DNA models using pipe cleaners and pasta and extracting DNA from strawberries:
DNA Models: HERE is a great explanation with handouts for students and it shows two different ways to make models. A helpful tip: Use two additional pipe cleaners in place of string. The pasta will easily thread onto a pipe cleaner, and it makes for a more stable model that can be twisted and turned (see photo at the top of this post).
DNA Extraction: This is a fantastic way to end your mini-unit. Years ago, I created this slide show ($2-TPT) to talk students through the process, and I use it myself because it helps me remember the steps!
If you have resources to add to these below, your comments are always welcome and appreciated!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
- Monster Genetics ~ by SSS Teaching
- Use Genetics to Create Your Own Alien ~ Discovery Place Museum
- Creature Features: A Genes and Molecular Machines Lesson (i hour- intended for Gr. 6-8)
- Video: An Interview with Gregor Mendel – a fun production that reinforces Mendel’s role as “The Father of Genetics.”
- Mendel and His Peas – Khan Academy
- Introduction to Heredity – Khan Academy
- Peas in a Pod: Genetics ~ lesson plans by Mensa for Kids
- How Mendel’s Pea Plants Help Us Understand Heredity – TED-Ed video lesson
- Teach.Genetics ~ resources and classroom ideas for educators
- MI Genetics Resource Center ~ links to more resources
- National Human Genome Research Institute (Educational Resources)
- Human Genetics, Chromosomes, and Alleles: What’s Dominant? by Teach Engineering
- DNA Structure made with pool noodles ~ We Are Teachers