Category: Genetics

  • How Can DNA Replication Be Modeled?

    How Can DNA Replication Be Modeled?

    Hands-on activity uses colored paperclips to model DNA double helix and show how semi-conservative replication takes place.

  • Human Traits Bingo

    Human Traits Bingo

    This activity is a good starter for genetics units.  Students are often fascinated by traits that are visible.   Lively discussions of human genetics will often include students asking tons of questions about what they view as “oddities.” Though, many of those traits would be difficult to establish as strictly genetics, it provides a good…

  • Corn Genetics and Chi Square Analysis

    Corn Genetics and Chi Square Analysis

    Students count kernels on an ear of corn. The corn is the product of a dihybrid cross, so that the phenotype of the kernels will follow a 9:3:3:1 ratio.

  • Dihybrid Crosses in Guinea Pigs

    Dihybrid Crosses in Guinea Pigs

    Teaching dihybrid crosses can be challenging because it involves layering several biological concepts, like independent assortment and statistics. This worksheet illustrates how gametes are formed from the parents and used to create a 4×4 punnet square that is used in basic genetic problems.

  • Learn Transcription and Translation by Coloring

    Learn Transcription and Translation by Coloring

    Graphic shows the process of transcription and translation. Color the parts of the model as your learn about them!

  • Simple Experiment to Extract DNA from a Strawberry

    Simple Experiment to Extract DNA from a Strawberry

    Crush strawberries and use detergent to break the cell wall, releasing DNA. Alcohol is then poured slowly over the top of the solution and DNA will rise to the surface.

  • Variations on a Human Face

    Variations on a Human Face

    Students use coins to simulate how alleles separate during meiosis.  One student plays the father, and one plays the mother, a coin flip then determines the traits of their theoretical offspring.   Note: This is a representation of how traits may work with simple Mendelian Genetics. Human traits are actually much more complicated. Many are…

  • What is a Map Unit Anyway?

    What is a Map Unit Anyway?

    Chromosome maps illustrate how far alleles are on a chromosome using a MAP UNIT. Map units are based on the frequency of cross-over