This document is used with the author’s permission. It is limited to classroom use in CCS.
RAFT: Genetics
Overview: These tiered RAFT assignments give students an opportunity to apply their
knowledge of the key terms, concepts, and processes typically highlighted in a middle
school-level genetics unit. They are listed in order of difficulty, with the first being the
most difficult. Students may complete them individually or with partners.
Standards:
 Investigate and understand that organisms reproduce and transmit genetic information
to new generations
 Utilize appropriate information systems to build an understanding of heredity and
genetics
Objectives:
The students will KNOW
 Vocabulary: gene, DNA, RNA, recessive trait, dominant trait, bacteria, virus,
mutation, zygote.
The students will UNDERSTAND THAT
 Genes are units of information.
 Parents transmit genes to their offspring.
 Some medical conditions and diseases are genetic in origin.
 The processes involved in sorting and recombining parents' genetic material
create potential variation among offspring.
 Chromosomes contain genetic information which can be categorized as recessive or
dominant; the differences between the two determine the expression of genetic traits.
The students will BE ABLE TO
 Explain the role of each parent in the transfer of genetic traits.
 Evaluate the role and function of DNA in a human cell, bacteria, or virus.
 Explain the significance of reproduction.
 Summarize the genetic transmittance of disease.
Basis for Differentiation: Student readiness with regard to:
Knowledge of genetics
General thinking skills
© 2008 Pieces of Learning
from Demystifying Differentiation in Middle School
This document is used with the author’s permission. It is limited to classroom use in CCS.
Genetics
ROLE
AUDIENCE
FORMAT
TOPIC
A cell in the
body
DNA
Love
Song/Ballad
Why I Need You
in My Life
A protein
Messenger RNA
Letter of
Complaint
You Are SO Bossy!
Genes from two
different
reproductive
cells
The zygote
Debate
Whose genetic material
deserves to be dominant
or recessive?
A virus
Other viruses
Mutation
Instruction
Manual
How to Cause Problems
for a Healthy Cell
© 2008 Pieces of Learning
from Demystifying Differentiation in Middle School