Grade Level/Course Key
7th Grade Life Science
Curriculum Map
Long Description: This unit focuses on the flow of genetic information
between generations. It explains the mechanisms of genetic inheritance and
describes the environmental and genetic gene mutation and the alteration of
gene expression. This core idea includes the following component ideas:
 Inheritance of traits: Heredity refers to the processes by which
characteristics of a species are passed from one generation to the
next. Asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic
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Time Frame: 4 weeks
information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic
variation.
Variation of traits: Genetic and environmental factors produce
variations of traits within a species population. Variation in traits
can influence the development, appearance, behavior, and ability
of organisms to produce offspring. The distribution of variations of
traits in a population is an essential factor in biological evolution.
Gather and synthesize information about the technologies that
have changed the way humans influence the inheritance of
desired traits in organisms
Unit:
Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits
Academic Standards
MS-LS3-1. Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes
(mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful,
beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism.
[Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on conceptual understanding that changes in genetic
material may result in making different proteins.] [Assessment Boundary:
Assessment does not include specific changes at the molecular level, mechanisms
for protein synthesis, or specific types of mutations.]
MS-LS3-2. Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in
offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in
offspring with genetic variation.
[Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on using models such as Punnett squares, diagrams, and
simulations to describe the cause and effect relationship of gene transmission from parent(s) to
offspring and resulting genetic variation.]
MS-LS4-5. Gather and synthesize information about the technologies that have
changed the way humans influence the inheritance of desired traits in
organisms. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on synthesizing information
from reliable sources about the influence of humans on genetic outcomes in
artificial selection (such as genetic modification, animal husbandry, gene
therapy); and, on the impacts these technologies have on society as well as the
technologies leading to these scientific discoveries.]
Disciplinary Core Ideas:
LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms
 Organisms reproduce, either sexually or asexually, and transfer their genetic information to
their offspring. (secondary to MS- LS3-2)
LS3.A: Inheritance of Traits
 Genes are located in the chromosomes of cells, with each chromosome pair containing two
variants of each of many distinct genes. Each distinct gene chiefly controls the production of
specific proteins, which in turn affects the traits of the individual. Changes (mutations) to
genes can result in changes to proteins, which can affect the structures and functions of the
organism and thereby change traits. (MS-LS3-1)
 Variations of inherited traits between parent and offspring arise from genetic differences that
result from the subset of chromosomes (and therefore genes) inherited. (MS-LS3-2)
LS3.B: Variation of Traits
 In sexually reproducing organisms, each parent contributes half of the genes acquired (at
random) by the offspring. Individuals have two of each chromosome and hence two alleles
of each gene, one acquired from each parent. These versions may be identical or may differ
from each other. (MS-LS3-2)
 In addition to variations that arise from sexual reproduction, genetic information can be
altered because of mutations. Though rare, mutations may result in changes to the
structure and function of proteins. Some changes are beneficial, others harmful, and
some neutral to the organism. (MS-LS3-1)
LS4.B: Natural Selection
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In artificial selection, humans have the capacity to influence certain characteristics of
organisms by selective breeding. One can choose desired parental traits determined by
genes, which are then passed on to offspring. (MS-LS4-5)
Key/Major Concept/Essential Question(s)
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Why is there such variety among organisms of the same species?
How can I predict what traits will be passed from one generation to another?
How do genes and chromosomes determine the inheritance of traits?
How do humans use technology to influence the inheritance of traits?
Skill/Target(s)
Students can:
• I can determine the ways cells divide and reproduce. Meiosis & Mitosis
• I can differentiate between sexual and asexual reproduction.
• I can use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic
information.
• I can describe the structure of DNA .
• I can explain how DNA replicates.
• I can predict the genetic outcomes in Mendel’s experiments.
• I can determine how dominant and recessive alleles affect inherited traits.
• I can use symbols to relate an allele’s dominance or recessive state.
• I can identify two identical alleles for a trait as homozygous.
• I can identify two different alleles as heterozygous.
• I can use Punnett Squares to understand how the laws of probability apply to genetics.
• I can use the principles of probability to relate the results of genetic crosses.
• I can define phenotype as physical appearance or visible traits.
• I can define genotype as an organism’s genetic makeup or allele combinations.
• I can define co-dominance as a state where neither allele is dominant or recessive and both
alleles are expressed in the offspring.
• I can explain that chromosomes are composed mostly of DNA and that a gene is a section of the
DNA that contains the information to code for one specific protein.
• I can explain how different proteins result in different traits.
• I can use a model to describe why sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation.
• I can explain that offspring inherit half their genes from each parent in sexual reproduction.
• I can explain how mutations may be helpful, harmful or neutral to an organism.
• I can describe advances in technology that have changed how humans influence the inheritance of
desired traits.
• I can describe human inheritance dealing with multiple alleles and sex-linked traits.
Resource(s)
 Prentice Hall Life Science Text
o Chapter 4 Genetics: The Science of Heredity
o Chapter 5 Modern Genetics
 Section 1: Human Inheritance
 Section 2: Genetic Disorders
(mutations)
 Section 3: Advances in Genetics
 Internet Resources: Practice Problems
 Dropbox Resources (Lombard)
 Powerpoint Presentations
Activity/Assessment(s):
 Using a Venn Diagram,
compare and contrast sexual
and asexual reproduction.
 Use a Venn Diagram to
compare and contrast meiosis
and mitosis
Punnett Squares –model cause/effect
relationship of gene transmission
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http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/tour/m
itosis.swf (What is Meiosis/ Mitosis?)
Videos:
o Cell Division: Mitosis & Cytokinesis by The
Assistant Professor
o Chromosomes & Genes by Teacher Video
Company
from parent(s) to offspring and
resulting genetic variation.
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Lab: Draw the stages in Mitosis
and Meiosis.
PTC Lab – Tasting Lab
Strawberry Lab – Isolate DNA
Gifted Students :
Students can research and present the
use of karyotypes in genetics. Students
can complete various karyotype
activities online.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/dis
orders/karyotype/karyotype.cfm
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/dis
orders/karyotype/
http://www.biology.arizona.edu/hum
an_bio/activities/karyotyping/karyoty
ping.html
Notes/Other Information