Summary and Rationale
In this unit, students will begin exploring the concepts of DNA and patterns of inheritance. Students will be able to understand the importance of DNA, chromosomal count and uniformity, the inheritance and patterns of dominance in alleles, the effect of genes on protein synthesis leading to unique traits, and the copying of genetic material to create identical cells. Students will investigate how changing patterns in DNA and alleles can cause variation and mutation, and predict how the genes of two parents can lead to observable patterns in offspring. Students will develop mathematical models using Punnett Squares, and analyze and interpret data in the form of pedigrees and karyotypes.
NGSS Standards/Performance Expectations
Instructional Focus
Unit Enduring Understandings
● Genetic variation among offspring results from the independent assortment and segregation of alleles within parent genotypes.
● Genetic information within offspring is inherited in pairs of alleles; one from each parent organism.
● Genotype determines phenotype in organisms, though the reverse is not always true.
● Traits and behaviors are naturally selected over time to increase the fitness of a population of organisms.
● Genes control singular traits through genetic coding for sequences of proteins.
● Modification in the genome of an organism can result in desired traits.
● Allele expression follows a predictable pattern.
Unit Essential Questions
● Why do different organisms of the same species feature different traits?
● Why does sexual reproduction between parent organisms increase the potential survivability of a given population of offspring?
● How do internal genetic factors influence the observable traits of an organism?
● How does natural selection drive change within populations of organisms over time?
● Why do offspring share some, but not all traits of their parents?
Content Statements
“Growth, Development, and Reproduction of Organisms”
● Animals engage in characteristic behaviors that increase the odds of reproduction. (MS-LS1-4)
● Genes are located in the chromosomes of cells with each chromosome pair containing two variants of each of many distinct genes. Each distinct gene chiefly controls the production of specific proteins which in turn affect the traits of the individual. Changes (mutations) to genes can result in changes to proteins which can affect the structures and functions of the organism and thereby change traits. (MS-LS3-1)
● In addition to variations that arise from sexual reproduction, genetic information can be altered because of mutations. Though rare mutations may result in changes to the structure and function of proteins. Some changes are beneficial, others harmful, and some neutral to the organism. (MS-LS3-1)
● Organisms reproduce, either sexually or asexually, and transfer their genetic information to their offspring. (MS-LS3-2)
● Variations of inherited traits between parent and offspring arise from genetic differences that result from the subset of chromosomes (and therefore genes) inherited. (MS-LS3-2)
● In sexually reproducing organisms each parent contributes half of the genes acquired (at random) by the offspring. Individuals have two of each chromosome and hence two alleles of each gene one acquired from each parent. These versions may be identical or may differ from each other. (MS-LS32)
● In artificial selection humans have the capacity to influence certain characteristics of organisms by selective breeding. One can choose desired parental traits determined by genes which are then passed onto offspring. (MS-LS4-5)
“Natural Selection and Adaptations”
● Anatomical similarities and differences between various organisms living today and organisms in the fossil record, enable the reconstruction of evolutionary history and the inference of lines of evolutionary descent. (MS-LS4-2)
● Comparison of the embryological development of different species also reveals similarities that show relationships not evident in the fully-formed anatomy. (MS-LS4-3)
● Natural selection leads to the predominance of certain traits in a population, and the suppression of others. (MS-LS4-4)
● Adaptation by natural selection acting over generations is one important process by which species change over time in response to changes in environmental conditions. Traits that support successful survival and reproduction in the new environment become more common; those that do not become less common. Thus, the distribution of traits in a population changes. (MS-LS4-6)
Ability Objectives
General for all Units:
● Develop and carry out scientific investigations.
● Obtain, evaluate and communicate information to develop technological literacy and an understanding of the role of information technologies in modern scientific endeavors.
● Develop and use models to explain complex processes and relationships between and within organisms.
● Analyze and interpret data and communicate information using a variety of modalities.
● Use mathematics and computational thinking to support scientific conclusions.
● Engage in argument from evidence to explain natural phenomena.
● Construct explanations and design solutions for complex real world environmental problems.
Learning Objectives Specific for Unit 3:
Students will be able to:
● Solve Punnett Squares to predict the pattern of inheritance of given traits for offspring between two parents of known genotype. (MS-LS3-2, MS-LS4-6)
● Construct an explanation for how mutations such as inversion, deletion, etc. impact the production of proteins by using base-pair alterations as compared to normal protein production as evidence. (MS-LS1-4, MS-LS3-1, MS-LS3-2, MS-LS4-2)
● Utilize a model to show the inheritance of genes through production of unique sperm and eggs. (MS-LS4-3, MS-LS4-4)
● Interpret data on crop yields and reduction of negative traits and diseases to form an argument for or against the proliferation of GMOs and potential human genetic engineering. (MS-LS4-4, MS-LS45)
Sample Performance Tasks - Specific for Unit 3:
Students will be able to:
● Design and utilize a color-coded series of Punnett Squares to demonstrate the pattern of inheritance of specific alleles through a human pedigree. (MS-LS1-4, MS-LS3-2)
● Research and present information about a genetic disorder, and be able to articulate how alterations to chromosomes directly cause alterations in the phenotype of a human. (MS-LS3-1, MSLS3-2)
● Model the impact of morphological differences in bird breaks amongst changing environmental conditions to collect evidence and argue for the benefits of variation among a species driven by natural selection. (MS-LS4-2, MS-LS4-4, MS-LS4-6)
Resources
Suggested Resources:
Activities:
Genetics http://www.nclark.net/
Evolution http://suzanmilman.wix.com/genetics
Lesson Ideas: http://www.greenomes.org/pdf/NCState_Exploring_Genetics.pdf https://www.ngsslifescience.com/biology_lesson_plans_meiosis_and_genetics.html
Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_PQ8qYtUL0 https://www.brainpop.com/health/geneticsgrowthanddevelopment/genetics/ https://www.brainpop.com/health/geneticsgrowthanddevelopment/heredity/ https://www.brainpop.com/health/geneticsgrowthanddevelopment/dna/
NGSS: http://ngss.nsta.org/AccessStandardsByTopic.aspx
Genetics Engineering Design Challenge (Common Assessment):