Skip Navigation

Genetics and Inheritance

Genetics and Inheritance

 
© Johanna Goodyear.

Patterns of inheritance, Mendelian genetics, variation of traits, pedigrees

  • Dogs—A Model for Modern Genetics

    Dogs—A Model for Modern GeneticsLesson

    Students explore variation among dog breeds, and compare variation within domesticated dogs to variation within wolves and other canids.

    Grades: 6-8 9-12

  • Genotyping a Mixed Breed Dog

    Genotyping a Mixed Breed DogLesson

    Students follow the case study of a “mutt,” whose breed identity is uncovered by its owners through commercial genotyping. 

    Grades: 6-8 9-12

  • Mapping A Mutation

    Mapping A MutationLesson

    Students learn about the genetic code and how small substitutions within the code can lead to physical changes in individuals, and use authentic data to uncover the SNP responsible for long hair in dogs.

    Grades: 6-8 9-12

  • Genotypes and Phenotypes

    Genotypes and PhenotypesLesson

    Students learn about how a change in the nucleotide sequence affects phenotype. They predict the outcomes of crosses between short- and long-haired dachshunds.

    Grades: 6-8 9-12

  • Categorizing Hair Types in Dogs

    Categorizing Hair Types in DogsLesson

    Students explore phenotypic differences in hair types found in the coats of different dog breeds, as they begin to learn about complex traits. 

    Grades: 6-8 9-12

  • Genetic Testing and Designer Dogs

    Genetic Testing and Designer DogsLesson

    Students learn about three examples where genetic mutations are related both to desirable characteristics and to harmful effects in certain dog breeds. 

    Grades: 6-8 9-12

  • Genetics and Environmental Influences on Physical Traits

    Genetics and Environmental Influences on Physical TraitsLesson

    Students test two alternative hypotheses to explain observable differences fruit fly eye color.

    Grades: 6-8

  • Reebops: A “Model” Organism for Teaching Genetic Concepts

    Reebops: A “Model” Organism for Teaching Genetic ConceptsLesson

    Students create imaginary creatures, called “Reebops,” to explore the relationships between genes and inherited traits.

    Grades: 3-5 6-8 9-12

  • Reproduction and Heredity

    Reproduction and HeredityLesson

    Students will perform crosses between fruit fly strains and observe 1) the transmission of traits from parents to offspring, and 2) that offspring produced by sexual reproduction exhibit diverse combinations of parental traits.

    Grades: 6-8

  • X or Y: Does It Make a Difference?

    X or Y: Does It Make a Difference?Lesson

    Students learn and describe the functional differences between X and Y chromosomes, and explain the significance of these differences in the human genome.

    Grades: 9-12

Related Content

  • Introduction to Inherited Traits

    Introduction to Inherited Traits Presentation

    What determines the physical and biological characteristics of an individual organism, and how are these traits passed from one generation to the next? In this presentation, Dr. McNeel describes the basics of genetic inheritance.

  • Introduction to Mendelian Genetics

    Introduction to Mendelian Genetics Presentation

    Mendel used experimental approaches to characterize a particulate model of inheritance. In doing so, he developed the three Laws of Inheritance. Examine how Mendel made his important discoveries.

  • Introduction to Pedigrees

    Introduction to Pedigrees Presentation

    A pedigree shows how a trait is inherited over several generations. Dr. Lisa Meffert explains why pedigrees are important, and the key factors scientists consider when studying pedigrees.