“The difference between you, me, him, and her” WebQuest Lesson Plan
Subject /Topic: Genetics
Grade: 6th
Broad Objective: Identify, describe, and explain the characteristics of traits that differentiate human
beings
Behavioral objective(s):
Ever wonder why people have different colored eyes? What about different colored hair? What make
people unique are traits, and everyone has them. How do traits make people so unique? You are
interested in learning about these traits because recently scientists have discovered a new planet
similar to Earth. If there were, people walking around that planet, studying their features would be
ideal to compare them to human features. To gain this knowledge, you will specialize in traits to help
scientists out with this new study. Good luck with your work.
TEKS:
(3) Scientific processes. The student uses critical thinking and scientific problem solving to make
informed decisions. The student is expected to:
(A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses and theories, as to their
strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information;
(11) Science concepts. The student knows that traits of species can change through generations and
that the instructions for traits are contained in the genetic material of the organisms. The student is
expected to:
(A) identify some changes in traits that can occur over several generations through natural occurrence
and selective breeding;
(B) identify cells as structures containing genetic material; and
(C) interpret the role of genes in inheritance.
Materials needed:
“The difference between you, me, him, and her” Web Quest, computers with internet access,
handouts, websites, pencil, markers/ map pencils, large white (construction paper is good).
A. INTRODUCTION OF THE LESSON
Focus:
The focus is for students to expand their knowledge in the understanding of the traits that separate
people by physical appearances. These traits are known as dominant and recessive traits. Students will
focus on their own traits and then compare features with a partner’s trait.
Objective and its purpose:
This Web Quest is constructed for 6th grade students as they cover the topics of genetics and
hereditary. Before setting off on their quest students need to be comfortable with:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Using a computer
Navigating the internet
Working with Internet resources
Taking notes and collecting data
5. Setting a purpose for reading
6. Synthesizing information across resources
7. Collaborating with their peers on a project
B. LESSON PROCEDURE
4. Input:
You will work in groups of 2, each investigating the traits of yourself. You will gain knowledge of
how the genetic makeup of yourself makes your traits while using online sources. You will then talk
with your partner and determine their traits. You will discuss what traits would be the most dominant
or recessive traits. In the end, you will explain what makes people physically different from one
another. This will be completed in a form of a presentation. In the end, students will answer the big
question,
What makes people physically different from one another?
5. Modeling/guided practice:
Teacher will assist students in the navigation of reading through the web links. Teacher will be able to
assist students if they have difficulty understanding the reading. There are two activities in which
students can access. These activities are games about the information they are reading. Connect to the
links here:
6. Independent practice:
Students will complete the WebQuest on their own. Vocabulary can be done together if teacher
desires.
Step 1: (1 day)
To begin this step, you will read about traits. What are they exactly and how do they affect you? To
complete this step, you will need your What's the trait? guide. On this guide, you will complete the
empty portions. Click on the links below to retrieve your information.
Read through the Q and A of the Body. Read through the section What type of traits exist and What
defines our traits to complete your guide.
Step 2: (1 day)
For this step, you will need your Traits in people like you and me. As you read the web link, complete
your guide with the best answers possible.
Now you will read about the features that distinguish people apart. Ever wonder where your height
comes from? What about the ability to roll your tongue? There are different features of traits people
have. The traits you will be working with the most are known as physical traits. Physical traits
eventually can be narrowed down into two categories: Dominant traits and Recessive Traits.
A dominant trait is one that is exactly what the name is, dominant. This trait is more predominate, and
it will stand out. For example, if you are tall, you have the dominant trait that makes you tall rather
than short. If you can roll your tongue, you have the dominant trait that allows you to roll your tongue.
Pretend your mother has brown eyes and your father has blue eyes, chances are you will end up with
blue eyes, because that trait is more dominant. A dominant trait will over come a weaker or not as
strong trait.
A recessive trait is one that is not as dominant. This trait is dominated by stronger traits. For example,
if your ear lobe does not dangle down, you have a recessive trait. If you cannot roll your tongue, that is
another example of a recessive trait. Pretend your mother has brown eyes and your father has brown
eyes, your eyes are probably brown because both of your parent’s eyes are. A recessive trait is one that
is not as dominant.
Click here to read about the traits of humans. As you read the links, ask yourself if this is where you
can determine what makes people physically different from one another.
Step 3: (1 day)
Now that you have background knowledge of genes and traits, you will examine yourself. You will do
some investigating and comparisons. Print the Looky here chart. In this chart, you will evaluate the
traits that you possess. Look at the chart and evaluate what you have and record your answers on the
chart.
Now meet with your partner. Discuss and exchange information about the traits that you each recorded
about yourselves. When you are finished with the questions complete the third column of the guide in
partners. Determine the best answers for the question on your Looky here chart. Students should be
able to apply inference skills after reading through the link in Step 2.
Step 4: (1 day)
Now that you compared features with your partner, you will begin to synthesize your information. You
will begin to complete a paper on determining what makes physically different from one another. You
will use your guides from the previous steps to complete this step. For a way to organize your ideas,
click here for an E Chart. The E Chart will help you determine what facts you want to state in your
paper. After you have organized your thoughts, click here for the Final Presentation template. To add
to your presentation, you can create a self- portrait of yourself. This portrait should highlight the traits
that are most noticeable. The portrait can be shown to your classmates after your presentation of your
paper. Teachers, for the E chart, have students write the question- why are people different/
what makes people different? In the main idea part. Then have students determine what three
facts they would like to use for their paper.
Before your group presents its findings, ask yourselves these questions:
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Have you worked cooperatively as a group?
Does your paper flow smoothly?
Does your self- portrait depict the traits you highlighted about yourself?
Have we maintained focus to answer the question, "What makes people physically different
from one another?"
What have we learned? About traits? About genes? About ourselves? About working in
groups?
Each person will present their own paper and self- portrait. For an extended activity, teacher can
have students read more about the Punnett squares. This link will lead you to a game for students
to apply their research and play while learning at the same time.
The amount of time allotted is roughly 4 class periods with some work outside the classroom.
Flexibility is definitely necessary for students who are inexperienced with using a computer to
gather information. Time is also dependent on the number of computers students have access to
and how comfortable students are with researching on the internet.
7. Assessment/Evaluation:
Students will be evaluated on Completion of vocabulary
 Collaborative work in pairs
 Knowledge of physical traits
 Summarized traits of one self and partner
 Explanation of what distinguishes traits from one person to the next
Click here for rubric
8. Conclusion:
Good Job! You have completed a difficult task! You studied and determined what differentiates
people eyes and hair color. Determining what makes different from one another is a huge task, but you
tackled it with ease! After you read your report to your classmates, think about how you are an expert
on why people have different traits. Scientists are please with your extensive research. You will need
to pack soon because the scientists are leaving for the new planet.