Lesson 1: Inheritance
Duration of Days: 5
Lesson Objective
1. Students explore how organisms transfer genetic information to their offspring, with the understanding that genetic differences in the alleles of the genes inherited from each parent result in variations in inherited traits between parent and offspring.
2. Students will develop and use models, specifically Punnett squares and pedigrees, to predict patterns of inheritance.
1. How are traits passed from one generation to the next?
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MS-LS3-2
Analyzing diagrams and models showing how traits are passed from parents to offspring
Explaining cause-and-effect relationships in inheritance
Using evidence to support explanations of inherited traits
Applying academic science vocabulary in context
Interpreting Punnett squares or simple inheritance patterns
Students explore how traits are passed from parents to offspring through inheritance.
To introduce the concept that offspring inherit characteristics from their parents and that these traits help organisms survive.
DOK 2 (Skills & Concepts)
Observing traits in family members (eye color, hair type, height)
Connecting inheritance to community animals, pets, or local plants
Discussing how traits affect survival or adaptation in local environments
Relating inherited traits to personal health, abilities, or physical features
Comparing human traits to agricultural crops in urban gardens
Traits are always exactly the same as parents’
Only visible traits are inherited
Environment does not affect traits at all
All offspring inherit the same combination of traits
Traits are random and not predictable
Use diagrams, Punnett squares, and family trait charts
Provide sentence stems for explaining trait inheritance
Pair or group students for observation and discussion
Highlight and chunk key vocabulary (trait, gene, allele, inherited)
Connect examples to students’ families, pets, and local plants
Use visuals and hands-on activities to model inheritance patterns
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