Acquired or Inherited? These are my genes! (view)

Units included with this Open Author resource:

Standards
Learning goals:
Design a short story, Draw a pedigree as evidence of gene inheritance, compare and contrast acquired versus inherited traits, explain dominant versus recessive traits
Keywords:
DNA, Genetics and Heredity, Writing
Alignment:
PA.ST.3.3.7.C.3, PA.SCI.3.1.5.B1
Description
Keywords:
DNA, Genetics and Heredity, Writing
Assessment Rubrics
Keywords:
DNA, Genetics and Heredity, Writing
Lesson/Activity
Keywords:
DNA, Genetics and Heredity, Writing

Summary

In this project, each student will be assigned to a group of three to four students. Each group will be given random character description cards. These characters will be treated as the first generation in a fictitious town. The cards will include specific genetic traits, skills, jobs, as well as reference if the character suffers from type 2 diabetes. Students will need to use the character cards to author and illustrate a short story about the fictitious town which follows at least three generations of the families in the cards. Students must also include pedigrees for a minimum of three traits as well as diabetes as evidence of inheritance.