Genetics Study
Our study
of genetics began with an analyzing our personal traits, traits of our
immediate family-those that were shared and those that were not shared, and
then traits of our classmates.
Researching textbooks and video streaming, we found that
our traits come from chromosomes contained in our genes. Gregor Mendel and
punnett squares became a focus for our learning for some time.
Using Mendel’s punnett square, we learned to calculate the
percentages and ratios of Genotype and Phenotype inheritance for various
traits in organisms.
This study included simple dominant/recessive inheritance,
incomplete dominance, and co-dominance. Included was an inquiry-based lab
focused on the effects of crossing of blood types and inheritance of blood
types. We moved into AIDS (inquiry-based lab), Sickle-celled anemia,
diabetes, and other diseases which can be inherited.
An
exploratory lab investigating the effects of crossing blood types and
inheritance of these blood types was our next line of study.
Following this, we investigated the phases of Mitosis and
Meiosis in an inquiry-based “Egg” lab using plastic Easter eggs (cell),
brads (centromere), and yarn pieces of different colors (chromosomes).
Personal definitions were generated in this lab for the processes of Mitosis
and Meiosis.
In the computer lab, we used the internet to find a
“textbook” definition, photos or drawings of the phases of Mitosis and
Meiosis, and thus developed a PowerPoint slide show about our study of
genetics.
Samples of Student Work:
