Unit 5: Genetics, Heredity, and Molecular Genetics
Topic
Chromosome Alterations
Skill
Structuring a Complex Argument
EBA Activity
Essay Pre-Writing: See Page _____
Claims
_________ is the most damaging type of chromosome alteration.
[Fill in the blank with nondisjunction or polyploidy.]
Procedure
[5 minutes] DO NOW: Complete the Punnett Squares located
on the board.
[5 minutes] Discussion of do now.
[25 minutes] Lesson: Students will learn about sex
chromosomes and inheritance, and genetic mutations.
[20 minutes] Closing/ Summary and discussion of homework.
Essay Pre-Writing. Stress that they are not writing an actual
essay, they are just outlining one. It is an option to extend the
activity into creating an actual essay later on. As a follow up,
students can participate in a structuring a complex argument
soapbox speech.
Timing/ Pacing



Before this activity has taken place, students would have
learned about patterns of inheritance.
This would take about 20 minutes and be considered
homework.
This activity would take place at the end of the lesson.
After this lesson, students would complete an EvidenceBased Round-Robin Debate on observed inheritance
patterns.
Notes
This is a standard Essay Pre-Writing Activity.
Follow Up Activity
This activity could be followed by a Structured Argument
Soapbox to include an oral activity.
Text
Standard Biology Text
Boston Debate League © 2012
Essay Pre-Writing Graphic Organizer
Claim: _________ is the most damaging type of chromosome alteration.
[Fill in the blank with nondisjunction or polyploidy.]
Essay Outline
Possible Structure
Introduction
“Hook”
Introduce the topic.
Restate the resolution and state
your position clearly.
Transition to the essay body.
Explain why your warrant supports
your original interpretation.
Explain another reason why your
warrant supports your original
interpretation (optional)
Explain why your warrant supports
your original interpretation.
Body
Explain another reason why your
warrant supports your original
interpretation (optional)
Boston Debate League © 2012
Notes, Comments and Ideas
Explain why their claim is
unfounded.
Explain why your warrant supports
your original interpretation.
Explain another reason why your
warrant supports your original
interpretation (optional)
Transition to conclusion
Conclusion
Restate the resolution and state
your position clearly.
Summary of reasons (optional)
Clincher (conclude with your
opinion or a “call to action”)
Boston Debate League © 2012