My Inheritance 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):
After completing the WebQuest, students will be able to answer basic questions related to heredity,
genes, and traits. Students will be able to summarize and synthesize this information.
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:
“My Inheritance” Web Quest, computers with internet access, websites, pencil, markers/ map pencils,
large white paper.
A. INTRODUCTION OF THE LESSON
Focus:
The family reunion is coming to an end. It has been a fun summer with your family. You spent allot of
time at the park with cousins you had not seen in years. Your aunts and uncles barely recognized you
because you had grown so much since the last time they saw you. Everyone is sharing their
photographs and saying goodbye. Your grandmother is sitting alone under a tree looking at a picture.
The picture is of all of the relatives on her side of the family. Some of her family looks allot alike and
others don't look like anyone else in the picture. She is asking your grandfather why everyone does not
look alike. All of the people in the photo are related. Slowly your aunts and uncles make their way to
the tree to see what your grandmother and grandfather are looking at. The aunts and uncles start
pointing out who looks alike and who looks different. Everyone is wondering why they do not all look
the same or at least all have the same color eyes. How is our eye color determined? How do we get our
hair color?
This WebQuest will guide you on an exploration of human traits. You will learn about heredity and
what types of traits you may get from your parents.
1. Objective and its purpose:
For this WebQuest we are going to learn about heredity, traits, and genes. We will define these terms
and be able to apply their concepts in a summary and a letter.
2. Tie in prior knowledge:
Has anyone ever heard the term inheritance? What is an inheritance? The word inheritance is related to
another word, heredity. Does anyone know what the term heredity means?
B. LESSON PROCEDURE
4. Input:
Your grandmother is looking for an answer about why there are so many differences in the way people
look in the photo. She has become very curious about this and wants your help. She asks you if you
can explain why everyone in the photo does not look alike. She asks if you can research this at the
library and write her a letter explaining how this has happened.
Your job is to study how family members get their family traits. You will study about genes and
heredity and then use what you learned to answer your grandmother's questions in a letter.
5. Modeling/guided practice:
The teacher will demonstrate how to navigate through the Webquest and where to find the documents
the students will need to complete the Webquest. The teacher will demonstrate where to find the sheets
and other resources. The teacher will then review the introduction, task and step 1 process as a whole
group. The teacher may go through the entire Webquest if time allows.
6. Independent practice:
Students will be working with the web links. They will work independently and complete the
assignments as given. The teacher may assign learners who are struggling a partner to work with. The
WebQuest requires a lot of reading.
Step 1: (2 days)
The first thing you need to do is read background information about genes, heredity and traits. This
background information will help you understand how genes, heredity and traits are part of the process
that determines what we look like. Create a graphic organizer to record details about each topic. You
may print three organizers from this page. Fill out each organizer as you read.
First, read about genes here.
Make sure to click on Go To Next Page to finish reading.
Next, read about heredity and how our traits are passed to us by our parents.
Heredity link -click on What is heredity?
Next, read a little information about traits.
Traits link -click on What is a trait?
For learners who are struggling: The teacher may want to have the graphic organizers printed for the
student. Depending on the student need, the teacher may want to label some of the organizer. Or, the
teacher could assist the students with completing the first organizer and then allow them to work on
the next two independently.
Step 2: (1-2 days)
Now that you have read a little about genes, heredity and traits, let us look more closely at heredity.
Watch this short presentation to learn more about how we inherit our traits.
Next, write a summary that explains what you have learned so far. Use your graphic organizers to help
you. Then, find a partner and exchange and read each other's summary. On your partner's summary,
write three questions that you have about what they wrote. When you are finished, look over your
paper and make sure your summary answers the questions your partner has written.
The teacher may want to provide a template for the learner who is struggling to help them format the
summary. The teacher may also use guiding questions to help the student get started. The teacher may
also want to give a learner who is struggling an opportunity to type or record their summary.
Step 3: (1-2 days)
Now that you have summarized your information, you will map out a family trait using a pedigree. Go
to the following link to see a definition of a pedigree, an example of a pedigree and how to make one
you.
Pedigree Link -once you are at this site, click on play the game then How to read Pedigree Charts
Then, use a blank sheet of paper and colored pencils or markers to make your own pedigree of eye
color for your family. Start with your grandparents and include your parents and you and your brothers
and sisters if you have any. If you have time, you may create another pedigree that shows a second
trait. Choose a second trait from this list of inherited traits.
Here is an example of a pedigree for eye color for a family.
Be sure to include the pedigree you made with the letter you will write to your grandmother.
Learners who are struggling may have difficulty creating their pedigree. The teacher may want to
work with the student to help them design the pedigree then allow the student to complete it on their
own. Another option would be to have the student work with a partner to design the pedigree. If the
student needs to seek information from home, the teacher may opt to write out the questions the
student needs to have answered so the student has a guide when they get home.
Step 4: (1 day)
Now that you have read about genes, heredity, and traits, you need to write your letter to your
grandmother explaining why everyone in the family photo does not look alike. You may want to
organize your thoughts before you start writing your letter. This template may help. Be sure to revise
after completing your rough draft. Also, include the example you created somewhere in the letter.
After you have written the letter, ask yourself these questions:
Did I accurately explain the information in my letter?
Does my letter flow smoothly?
Does my example help explain the information in my letter?
Did I answer the question, "Why might family members look different?"
Is my pedigree ready to be included with my letter?
The amount of time allotted is roughly one week. Work outside the classroom may be necessary for
the student to interview a family member about inherited traits.
7. Assessment/Evaluation:
Students will be evaluated on the following:

Completion graphic organizers

Summary of information

Accurate knowledge of genes, heredity, and traits

Explanation of information in the letter including pedigree
Click here for rubric.
8. Conclusion:
You did a great job! Learning about heredity, genes, and traits is a difficult task. Your grandmother
will be glad to receive your letter. It will help her understand why not all of your family members look
alike. You have been very helpful to her.