Middle School STEM Science Lab/Activity Planner
Name of Lab/Activity:Alien Genetics / Grade:7
California Science Standard(s): (please copy and paste standards taught during this lesson)
Students know an inherited trait can be determined by one or more genes.
Common Core Science Reading and/or Writing Standard(s): (please copy and paste standards taught during this lesson)
Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.
Learning Objective/Goal:
Students will demonstrate learn how to use Punnett squares to predict pedigree.
Language Objective/Goal: (based on California Common Core Standards)
Next Generation Science Standards – ): (please copy and paste any of the 8 Science and Engineering standards taught during this lesson, as well as any Cross Cutting Concepts that apply)
LS 3A Inheritance of traits
Materials & Resources:
Blank Pedigree Tree, Human-alien face cards, Coin
Procedure:
Scenario-
The two eyed human Mary is married to Jack, one of the one-eyed aliens that invaded earth. Fortunately, the allele that produces only one eye is recessive in the male aliens. However offspring that are at least 50% alien have red eyes. The face cards in this pack represent 3 generations of Jack and Mary’s descendants.
1. Use Punnett squares to determine offspring.
2. Use the face cards and pedigree tree to reconstruct Mary’s family tree for 2 generations and show that she has at least one human looking grandchild.
3. Toss a coin to determine whether the offspring marries a human or an alien. / Teaching Notes: (include timing)
Students will work in pair groups
Math Connection (Including CCSS Math Practice(s):
Calculate the probability of Mary having at least a two eyed daughter? A one eyed grandson? / Teaching Notes:
Technology Used to Extend Learning:
Use word or excel to create a family tree for Mary’s family. / Teaching Notes:
Formative Assessment: (please attach a copy)
Two of Jack and Mary’s grandchildren have been excluded from Mary’s willWrite a short (2 paragraphs)essay explaining why one of Mary’s grandchildren has two eyes and one grandchild has one eye. / Teaching Notes:
Strategies for EL Special Needs Students (ELD CCSS: / Vocabulary:
Alignment in science unit: (Brief description of lessons taught prior to & after this lab/activity)
This activity will be taught after students have been taught how to use Punnett squares and calculate the probability of heredity.
Brief description of lessons taught after this lab/activity:
Lab/Activity adapted from: (website, textbook, etc.)
Prentice Hall California Life Science / Formative Assessment adapted from:
This lesson was developed by:
Teacher’s Name / Currently Teaching at: (School & District)
Joan Martin Lake / Bernal Intermediate, Oak Grove School District
This project has been made possible in part by a grant from the Texas Instruments
Community Fund, an advised fund of Silicon Valley Community Foundation.
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