Human Traits Lab

Can You Roll Your Tongue?

Seventh Grade Science Students Participate in Long-term, Mass Data Study on Genetics

7th grade students in Mr Kelly’s 7th grade classroom have been participating in a laboratory activity where data has continually been recorded since the 2012-2013 school year. This year marks the 5th school year that students have been collecting, recording, and analyzing the information making our sample size larger and larger annually. The assignment starts with students looking at themselves and collecting the data with the traits they already have. They then have to analyze the amount of variation within their classroom, their grade and then the greater Brandywine Springs community. Having a larger sample size adds validity to the data they collect.Within class, students must make note of eye color, their ability to roll their tongue, cross their fingers, taste PTC and finally their armspan and height. Students then have to go home and collect data. Going home and collecting data on eye color, tongue rolling, and finger crossing is a homework assignment that continues within the student’s home with personal family members. The homework assignment is always administered over winter break. Winter break provides a fantastic opportunity for students to meet with extended family and friends beyond the borders of Delaware. The data set keeps getting larger and larger as this assignment is done year to year. This year though students will be able to track the data in real time over break on a website designed by Mr. Kelly. The potential of conducting a lab at home, means that the learning never stops.The potential of also having this website shared on social media can bring awareness to the study that we are conducting in class.