Sample Format: Where Did You Get Those Genes?
Unit Title: Where Did You Get Those Genes?
Grade Level or Course: Grade 6
Length of Time: 3 weeks
Standard(s):
Standards
CCLS:Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, & Technical Subjects 6-12, Grades 6-8, Reading:
Science & Technical Subjects
Key Ideas and Details
1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite
specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
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1. Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts.
CCLS:Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, & Technical Subjects 6-12, Grades 6-8, Writing
Text Types and Purposes
1. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts using valid reasoning
and relevant and sufficient evidence.
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1. Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.
2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and
accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
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2a. Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and
information into broader categories as appropriate to achieving purpose; include formatting (e.g.,
headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
2b. Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations,
or other information and examples.
2d. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
2f. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or
explanation presented.
Production and Distribution of Writing
4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate
to task, purpose, and audience.
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4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are
appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCLS:Mathematics, 7th Grade , Ratios & Proportional Relationships
7.RP Analyze proportional relationships and use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems.
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2. Recognize and represent proportional relationships between quantities.
Big Ideas:
Genes have an impact on who we are.
The probability of our traits can be impacted by the variety of genes we inherit from our
parents.
Essential Questions:
How do genes influence who we are?
What are the chances that we will inherit specific traits from our parents?
How are genes passed down from parents to their children?
Content:
Genetics and Heredity:
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Organisms that sexually reproduce inherit half of their genes from each parent
Traits are determined by one or more genes
Process of sexual reproduction and inheriting genes (Meiosis)
Ratios and Proportional Relationships:
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Traits represented in ratios and percentages
Probability of inheriting specific genes and traits
Reading Informational Texts:
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Annotation of a text (main idea)
Supporting Details - facts and examples
Cause and effect
Informative Writing:
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Clearly stated hypothesis
Supporting evidence - key details from text
Vocabulary:
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genes
traits
offspring
sexual reproduction
probability
ratio
gametes
Sample Format: Where Did You Get Those Genes?
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haploid
organism
Skills:
Genetics and Heredity:
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Contrast asexual and sexual reproduction (access prior knowledge)
Explain how sexual reproduction contributes to our genetic variety.
Explain how sexually reproducing organisms inherit half of their genes from each parent.
Determine how genes control the various combinations of traits in organisms
Diagram the process of cellular division in gametes (Meiosis)
Ratios and Proportional Relationships:
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Use a Punnett Square to calculate the ratio and percentages of traits in offspring
Determine the probability of traits in offspring
Reading Informational texts:
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Locate and underline main points of a text
Locate and circle supporting facts
Find cause and effect statements
Informative Writing:
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Create a a clearly stated hypothesis
Use facts and examples to support hypothesis
Activities:
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Compare traits with a partner to determine each others genes.
Use a Punnett Square to create fictional "creatures" with various traits. Write to explain
how creatures received traits
Diagram the process of Meiosis and the formation of gametes.
Cause and effect reading
Assessments:
Cause and Effect of Genetic Disorders
Formative: Written: Informative
Students will be answering a written prompt on genetic disorders and their causes. Students
will site evidence to support their reasoning as to what causes the specific disorders.
Post Test: Genetics and Heredity
Summative: Test: Written
Students will answer critical thinking and application questions in multiple choice format. In
addition students will be answering free response questions on the essential questions.
Critical Thinking Checks for Understanding
Formative: Performance: Skill Demonstration
Various "Check for Understanding" assessments on:
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Generate Punnett Squares to determine the probability and ratio of traits in offspring
Identify and describe different phases of Meiosis and the formation of gametes
Materials and Resources:
List specific resources - web links, articles, video, pages in books