Heredity & Traits - Intro
Inheritance and variation of traits (simple model, with caveats)
Description
A 10-minute in-class introduction to heredity. Students learn key vocabulary (gene, allele, trait), connect inheritance to variation, and practice a simple Punnett square using a fictional organism.
Learning Objectives
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Define heredity, trait, gene, and allele, and distinguish genotype from phenotype in a simple model.
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Use a 2x2 Punnett square to predict possible offspring genotypes and connect sexual reproduction to increased variation.
Content Preview
Preview of the PRISM content
## Engage (1 minute) Teacher says: "Two siblings can look different even with the same parents. Why?"
Students do a 10-second pair-share. Then: "Today we start heredity: how traits can be passed on, and why variation happens."
Heredity: passing traits from parents to offspring. Trait: a characteristic (for example, flower color). Gene: a segment of DNA that influences a trait. Allele: a version of a gene. Genotype: the alleles an organism has. Phenotype: what you can observe (appearance or measurable trait).
In this intro we use a simple 1-gene, 2-allele model to learn the tool (Punnett squares). In real life, many traits involve multiple genes and environment.
- Offspring inherit one allele for a gene from each parent.
- Sexual reproduction mixes alleles, increasing variation.
- A Punnett square lists possible allele combinations, not guarantees.
Assessment Questions
4 questionsWhich definition best matches heredity?
Sexual reproduction usually creates more variation among offspring than asexual reproduction.
A(n) ______ is a version of a gene.
In 1-2 sentences: What does a Punnett square help you predict, and why are real offspring outcomes not always exactly those predictions?
Standards Alignment
Resource Details
- Subject
- Science
- Language
- EN-US
- Author
- Teacher
- License
- CC-BY-4.0
- PRISM ID
- nc-7th-sci-heredity-traits-intro-10min