Genetics Student Learning MAP (SLM)
Science 7, 2015-2016
Key Learning:
Genes are segments of the DNA in the cells of every organism that carry instructions for that particular organism. Traits are passed
from parents to offspring through their genes. Both genes and the environment interact to make each individual unique.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Essential Question:
How do my genes and the environment make me a unique individual?
Concept: Variation
Concept:
Genes
LEQ:
Why is variation
important?
LEQ
How do genes
work?
Vocabulary:
 genetics
 unique
 traits
 variation
 adaptations
 generations
 offspring
 genes
 generations
 pedigree
Vocabulary:
 DNA
 genome
 chromosome
 karyotype
 sex
chromosomes
(XX, XY)
Review:
 nucleus
 ribosome
 protein
Concept:
Reproduction
Concept:
Punnett Squares
LEQ
 How are genes passed
from generation to
generation?

Vocabulary:
 asexual and sexual
reproduction
 cloning
 sex cells or gametes
(egg, sperm)
 twins (identical,
fraternal)
 fertilization, pollination
 genetic conditions
LEQ
How can we use Punnett
Squares to predict
patterns of inheritance?
Vocabulary:
 allele
 recessive
 dominant
 “expressed”
 carrier
 homozygous
 heterozygous
 phenotype
 genotype
Concept:
Modern Genetics
LEQ
 How do genetic
discoveries affect
the quality of life
on Earth?
Vocabulary:
 genetic
engineering
 gene therapies
 artificial breeding
 population
genetics
Review
 Genetic conditions
 Variation
 Adaptations
 Endangered
species
Projects and Labs
(which ones we do, and when, depends on time and scheduling)
Variation: A case study in the classroom, Personal pedigrees, Nature vs. Nurture: Plant Study, DNA Isolation and Models, Simulation Labs
(Generations, Beak Battles, A question of control, Gender Toss, Karyotype Puzzles), Flower Dissections and Models, Modeling Asexual
Reproduction, Genetic Condition PSA, Genetics 101 Peer Teaching Project
What is genetics? https://www.my46.org/intro/what-is-genetics Check this website out for some basic information!
Genetics is the study of how traits such as hair color, eye color, and risk for disease are passed (“inherited”) from parents to their
children. Genetics influence how these inherited traits can be different from person to person. Your genetic information is called
your genetic code or “genome.” Your genome is made up of a chemical called DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and is stored in the
nucleus of almost every cell in your body.
Why should we learn about it?
Both genes and the environment help make you a unique individual. Among other things, this means that genes can influence your
health. Understanding genetics may someday help you understand your own health better and to make more informed decisions
about your life. Someday, you may also need to understand and make such decisions to help family members. As a voting member
of our society, you may also need to understand something about genetics to make informed decisions about public policy and to
understand genetic discoveries and issues in the news.
How will we learn about it?
 Labs and simulations
 Journal entries and reflections
 Readings, discussions and questions
 Concept maps and organizers
 Family pedigrees
 Research project(s)
What resources will we use?
 Classroom videos and print resources (textbooks, readers, articles, etc.)
o Textbooks: Cells and Heredity (Prentice Hall) and Our Genes, Our Selves (FOSS)
 Online resources: videos, animations, slide shows, articles (check links on the “Genetics” and class/homework pages on the class
wiki: http://delmarscience7.wikispaces.com )
 Binder materials: readings and questions; notes and organizers; worksheets
 Lab and simulation materials and instructions
 Classroom resources (readers, articles, etc.)
How will we show what we have learned?
 At least one traditional quiz: basic facts, concepts and vocabulary; interpretation of texts (readings, charts and graphs);
supporting arguments with textual and experimental evidence; pedigree and Punnett Square problems
 Genetics 101 Peer teaching project and/or Genetic Conditions PSA
 Family Pedigree and Analysis
 Lab reports and reflections