Investigating and Applying Genetics: Corn
Students build their understanding of selective breeding for desired traits in crops such as corn. They investigate the outcomes of crosses of hybrid and dihybrid corn plants for two unlinked genetic traits: corn kernel color and sweetness. They use Punnett squares to predict the ratio of phenotypes that will be produced by different crosses and analyze the actual ratio of phenotypes of the second generation offspring. A reading describes traditional selective breeding and modern genetic engineering approaches to improving crops to improving crops. This kit is complete for 32 students and is reusable.
Details at a Glance
- 1-2 Days | 1-2 ~50 minute class periods
- 1 Activity
- Accommodates unlimited classes, each with 8 groups of 4 students
- Meets our criteria for supporting literacy
- All materials are non-consumable
- Developed in partnership with SEPUP
Scientific Concepts
•Cells store and use information in the form of genes that determine
their traits and guide their functions.
•Cells typically contain two copies (alleles) of each gene. This explains
how variations that are hidden in one generation can be expressed in the
next.
•Each parent contributes one allele for each gene to its offspring
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
- 16 Corn "Ear A”, LAB-AIDS®
- 16 Corn "Ear B”, LAB-AIDS®
- 16 Corn "Ear C”, LAB-AIDS®
- 16 Corn "Ear D”, LAB-AIDS®