Heredity StudyJam

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

7

Overview

Ever wondered how you ended up with your eye color? The answer is all about heredity.

Heredity is the passing of traits, or features, from parents to offspring through genes. Genes, which are found inside cells, are shared from one generation to the next, passing on all kinds of characteristics like eye color, dimples, freckles, and height.

This classroom resource provides a video that describes the process of inherited traits. After utilizing this resource, the students can complete the short test to assess their understanding. This resource can provide background information to students before they construct and use their own models. 

 

Science (2015) Grade(s): 7

SC15.7.12

Construct and use models (e.g., monohybrid crosses using Punnett squares, diagrams, simulations) to explain that genetic variations between parent and offspring (e.g., different alleles, mutations) occur as a result of genetic differences in randomly inherited genes located on chromosomes and that additional variations may arise from alteration of genetic information.

UP:SC15.7.12

Vocabulary

  • Punnett square - monohybrid cross
  • Homozygous and Pure
  • Heterozygous and
  • Hybrid
  • Homologous
  • Dominant
  • Recessive
  • Models
  • Genetic variation
  • Parent
  • Offspring
  • DNA
  • Genes
  • Inheritance
  • Allele
  • Variation
  • Mitosis (introduced in Standard 2; use here for comparison to Meiosis)
  • Meiosis
  • Chromosome
  • Mutation
  • Probability
  • Gregor Mendel
  • Mendel's laws
  • Sexual reproduction
  • Asexual reproduction
  • Sperm
  • Egg
  • Zygote

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Chromosomes are the source of genetic information.
  • Organisms reproduce, either sexually or asexually, and transfer their genetic information to offspring.
  • Variations of inherited traits from parent to offspring arise from the genetic differences of chromosomes inherited.
  • In sexual reproduction, each parent contributes half of the genes acquired (at random) by the offspring.
  • Individuals have two of each chromosome, one acquired from each parent; therefore individuals have two alleles (versions) for each gene. The alleles (versions) may be identical or may differ from each other.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Construct a model for a given phenomenon involving the differences in genetic variation that arise from genetic differences in genes and chromosomes and that additional variations may arise from alteration of genetic information.
  • Identify and describe the relevant components of the model.
  • Describe the relationships between components of the model.
  • Use the model to describe a causal account for why genetic variations occur between parents and offspring.
  • Use the model to describe a causal account for why genetic variations may occur from alteration of genetic information.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • During reproduction (both sexual and asexual) parents transfer genetic information in the form of genes to their offspring.
  • Under normal conditions, offspring have the same number of chromosomes (and genes) as their parents.
  • In asexual reproduction: Offspring have a single source of genetic information and their chromosomes are complete copies of each single parent pair of chromosomes. Offspring chromosomes are identical to parent chromosomes.
  • In sexual reproduction: Offspring have two sources of genetic information that contribute to each final pair of chromosomes in the offspring because both parents are likely to contribute different genetic information, offspring chromosomes reflect a combination of genetic material from two sources and therefore contain new combinations of genes that make offspring chromosomes distinct from those of either parent.

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Developing and Using Models

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and Effect

CR Resource Type

Audio/Video

Resource Provider

http://studyjams.scholastic.com/

License Type

Custom
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