This activity is directed to secondary school 14-18 years old students. As you can see, the site is directed to students, so you can propose them directly the web adress to undertake the activity. This is one of the reasons why correct answers are not provided (further explanation in IBSE).
This is a Printer-Friendly activity. Even if it is proposed as a web-based ressource, you don't need computers to apply it in your classroom, all the proposed materials are printable.
Comments and suggestions are welcome. If you add or modify steps from this didactic sequence, please, let me know, your work can be useful for other teachers and students. If you want, I could eventually add your activities as a contribution in this website, toghether with your name and contact details.
Description
In this activity, students are prompted to analyze real data to determine the heredity model of a character. Students sistematize and communicate their data in the form of a Scientific Poster.
Didactic goals
The didactic sequence dealing with genetic inheritance, this activity pretends students to:
Indications to apply the activity
Ethical concerns
Using real genetic data can be a source of ethical conflicts. Make sure that students communicate properly their goals to the individuals participating in their studies, and that the confidentiality is assured. Be conscient that potential events as adoptions or wrong paternity can take part in the activity and be a source of traumatic information for students (more information).
In all cases, be sure students understant the limits of the heredity models applied, which low-resolution could lead to misinterpretation of the data with wrong conclusions relating to paternity or genetic predictions. All arising questions relating to real genetic disorders should be directed to the medical professionals, and treated carefully.
Calendar and class organization
Assuming 1h-length sessions, and in a "Flipped Classroom" paradigm, this activity can take 5 sessions.
Session 1) presenting the activity and proposing the two training sections.
Session 2) solving doubts and asking them to choose a character and collect data.
Session 3) constructing pedigrees and testing the models. Proposing the poster structure.
Session 4) designing the posters.
Session 5) congress.
About IBSE (Inquiry-Based Science Education)
Some of the principles of IBSE used to build this site and didactic activity:
CLIL/Aicle
This site has been built from a didactic activity performed with spanish students, and in some steps, liguistic clues are given. I'm yet working on this aspect.