Investigating Human Heredity
An excellent introduction to the science of genetics, this enjoyable Lab-Aid contains four simple and easy-to-follow investigations. Students study selected human traits that are controlled by a single pair of genes and then expand that study to include their lab partners, classmates and family members. The investigations begin by having students determine their phenotypes for several traits. Then, they determine genotypes for these same traits. In the next investigation, they interpret the genotypes of individuals in a pedigree. Finally, they construct a pedigree diagram for a single inherited trait in their family by means of a controlled experiment for that trait. The students discover relationships between dominant and recessive traits. All the activities deal with easily studied inherited traits making this a highly motivating series of lab activities.
Details at a Glance
- 1 Day | 1 ~50 minute class period
- 4 Activities
- Accommodates 1 class, with 1 group of 30 students
- Consumables service 30 students
- Meets our criteria for supporting literacy
Scientific Concepts
•Study selected human traits controlled by a single pair of genes
•Stimulate an interest in science of genetics
•Determine phenotypes of several traits
•Determine genotypes of same traits
•Interpret genotypes of individuals in a pedigree
•Construct a pedigree diagram for a single trait in their family
•Conduct a controlled experiment for that trait
•Discover and understand relationship of dominant and recessive traits
Guides & Student Sheets
Our kits and modules provide you with everything you need so you can open, review, and teach the material confidently the next day.
- Comprehensive Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis items
- Materials necessary for the investigation (beyond common classroom items)
- Safety Data Sheets
Kit Components
- 1 Teacher’s Guide
- 30 Student Worksheet: Investigation 1 - What is Your Phenotype?
- 30 Student Worksheet: Investigation 2 - What is Your Genotype?
- 30 Student Worksheet: Investigation 3 - Making a Pedigree
- 30 Student Worksheet: Investigation 4 - Testing for an Inherited Trait
- 30 Control paper, strips
- 30 PTC paper, strips