CONCEPT: Traits are passed from parent to offspring.
CONTENT OBJECTIVE: 6E1.00 To understand how traits are passed from parent to offspring
INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES: The learner will:
1.01 define heredity, trait and genes.
1.02 explain the role of genes in the inheritance of some diseases.
OUTLINE OF CONTENT:
I. Heredity
II. Variations
III. Melanin
IV. Genes
TN COMPONENT OF SCIENCE: Science In Society
TN GOAL:
To enable students to demonstrate attitudes toward science in solving problems and making personal decisions about issues affecting the individual, society, and the environment.
TN THEME:
4.1 ATTITUDES - The progress of science and the attitudes of society influence one another.
TN STANDARD(S): The learner will understand that:
4.1a Scientists can bring information, insights, and analytical skills to bear on matters of public concern.
BENCHMARK: Scientists can use their particular expertise to address public concern.
CLASSROOM CONNECTORS
TIME REQUIRED:
Three to four instructional periods
MATERIALS:
poster board, markers, index cards, scrap paper, pencils, notebooks, filmstrip, color blind chart, teacher-made handout of terms and definitions (see Instruction), resource people
SET:
(Arrange to have some brothers and sisters in the school to stop by your classroom on the day you are going to introduce heredity, or invite one whole family to stop by.) Class, look at those people. They _____ to each other. Try to find something that they have in common. On a piece of paper, write down all the things these family members have in common.
INSTRUCTION:
These people share traits. A trait can be passed on from parents to offspring. Traits include eye color, hair color, and body shape. (Show pictures of eyes, hair and body shapes as you make this particular point.) We will watch a filmstrip on heredity. After we watch the film we will discuss it. (Hand out a sheet with the following terms and the matching definitions :
1. Heredity - the passing of genes from parent to offspring.
2. Inherit - to receive a set of genes from one or two parents.
3. Variations - differences in a trait among organisms of a species. Genes cause variations.
4. Melanin - The chemical that gives skin, eyes and hair their colors.
5. Gene - a direction for a trait. Genes are found along the bands of a chromosome.)
(Give the students a brief quiz over the terms above. Do not expect word for word answers.
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION:
What traits do you share with your parents, brothers or sisters? (response) I want you to make a poster which lists shared traits that are physical and even shared personality traits. Highlight the poster with color photographs so people looking at your poster can see the traits themselves. Look for some of these traits: shape of eyebrows, lips, nose, chin, cheekbones, eyes, coloring of hair and skin, height, laugh, smile, dimples, freckles, and speech. (Display the posters in the room. Each child will get a set of index cards on which he will write down observable traits that he can see from each of the other students' posters. Personality traits can also be listed when students know each other well enough to do so. Each child should get a stack of index cards back that are about him/her, which have been completed by other members of the class.)
CLOSURE:
Through the process of heredity, organisms acquire different genes which cause different traits to appear. (Be aware of sensitive feelings among students who are adopted or who have step-siblings or half-siblings. Use your best judgment about making this assignment.) Tell your neighbor five characteristics which are inherited.
ENRICHMENT:
(It would be good to have a Guest Speaker Day. The topic should be heredity. Here are some suggestions:
1. Hair care specialist - talk about baldness, hair color and hair texture.
2. Professional dog breeder - talk about the different breeds of dogs.
3. Doctor (on a more serious side) to talk about some diseases that are inherited.
Some diseases, such as Down syndrome, are carried in the genes and may be inherited. Color blindness and hemophilia are inherited. If you are really interested in mongolism, the Infant Stimulation Center of a local university might be a good place to check. People on the staff might come to talk or maybe arrange for someone to come in to discuss problems relating to heredity.
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time this file has been accessed since 02/25/98.
The University of Tennessee at Martin is not responsible for the information or views expressed here.
