Learning Contract: Genetics
Diana Kilby
Introduction
We use genetics in many different ways. Your learning contract is to explore the various ways that
genetics is used. You are able to choose whichever activities you would like, but your grade is dependent
on how many points you accumulate during this independent study. Each assignment is weighted a
certain amount of points and a total of 30 points is the minimum expected for a grade of “A” on this
contract.
Lesson 1 Your learning so far…(3 points)
Summarize your knowledge of genetics by explaining the following:
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what are traits and how they are passed from one generation to the next
What do these terms mean: dominant, recessive, incomplete dominance, hybrid and purebred
how are punnet squares used to predict the probability of traits
how do pedigrees trace traits from generation to generation
Lesson 2 Understanding Genetics (5 points)
You will demonstrate your understanding of genetics by creating a monster. You will need a partner, a
coin, handouts for the Monster Match, and construction paper and markers to complete this activity.
You and your partner will flip a coin to determine which traits the baby monster will receive and will
record the genotype and phenotype of each trait. After all of the traits have been determined, you will
draw an accurate representation of your monster.
Lesson 3 Following Royalty (5 points)
Hemophilia was a condition that some members of the royal family suffered from. In this activity you
Will:
 define hemophilia
 explain what life was like during Queen Victoria’s time if you had hemophilia
 explain how hemophilia is treated now
 create a pedigree of Queen Victoria of England’s family and trace the occurrence of hemophilia
 analyze the pedigree by indicating which members of the family did not have the trait, which
ones were carriers and which ones had the disease
 Create a hypothesis as to why members of royal families may have been more likely to suffer
from inherited disorders
Lesson 4 Finger printing (10 points)
Many TV shows highlight the use of finger print analysis and DNA analysis for solving crimes.
1. In this activity you will learn the basics about finger prints and make a set of your finger prints
and analyze them.
 First click on the following link to view a powerpoint on the basics of fingerprinting
Fingerprinting Basics (PPT)
 Then click on the next link to demonstrate what you have learned.
Fingerprinting Basics Student Notes (PDF)
 Make a set of your own fingerprints using the page from the following link and a stamp pad
My Prints (PDF)
2. In this activity you will discover how scientists use DNA fingerprinting to solve crimes. Click on
the following link to perform a virtual lab to isolate DNA and then use the results to solve a
crime
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers/body/create-dna-fingerprint.html
3. In this activity you will view a video on a real life crime and try to determine innocence or guilt
using DNA fingerprinting
 Click on the following link to view the video clip and to answer the questions for
discussion
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers/body/forensic-dna-analysis.html
4. Wrap up what you have learned by writing at least 1 page comparing and contrasting the use of
fingerprints and DNA in solving crimes.
Lesson 5 Genetic Counseling (7 points)
You will take on the role of a genetic counselor. In this activity you will be helping 2 different families
discover their chances of having children with certain disorders. First you will have to determine if these
diseases are genetic. You will need to create pedigrees and punnett squares in order to help you solve
the mysteries and help these families. To complete this activity you will need 12 index cards, markers,
scissors and the Family Puzzles Real World Lab handout
Lesson 6 Make mine modified (7 points)
In this activity, you will analyze the pros and cons of genetically modified foods by reading several
articles from different points of view. Then you will write a letter to your congressman either endorsing
or opposing genetically modified foods.