Lesson 1 : Introduction to Medelian Genetics
WHAT IS MEDELIAN GENETICS?
Gregor Mendel was a central European monk who studied the principles of heredity using plants. Using cross breeding experiments, Mendel discovered that certain traits in offspring's are present without any blending of parental characteristics. An example of this was a purebred white and pink flower. The offspring's would always be one or the other color but not a mix.
MINDS ON:
Videos are always a great way to start a class. An engaging video can leave students at awe and can stir a sense of disequilibrium and wonder within them. This video does exactly that. The combination of audio and captions give the students enough stimulus to spark their interest. The video also addresses lightly topics such as the importance of DNA, traits, GMOs and the use of genetics in health care. This gives students a chance to recall prior knowledge without overloading them with to much information.
PEDAGOGY:
During this lesson, It is probably a good idea to conduct a diagnostic assessment before trying to teach Mendelian genetics. Key Concepts students should know from previous grades includes
Strategies we can use to determine the needs of the class include a brainstorm, mind map, diagnostic quiz and class discussions
- DNA structure and replication - Transcription and Translation
- Cell division - Mitosis, Meiosis, Cytokineses
- The phases of cell division - Mitosis and Meiosis
- cell specialization
Strategies we can use to determine the needs of the class include a brainstorm, mind map, diagnostic quiz and class discussions
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This video gives students a chance to recap the information they have learned in previous grades. Its a brief but excellent introduction to genetics. Topics it addresses include what genetics entails, Mendel " father of genetics" , genes, DNA structure, Creation of proteins, Genetic code, DNA sequencing, genomics, bioinformatics. This video review concepts that students need to internalize before moving on to Mendelian genetics which describe patterns of inheritance.
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A great website for educators to use is provided from the health science department at the University of Utah. Again this website further encourages students to recall prior knowledge about genetics which they should have learned in previous grades. This allows all students the chance to start at relatively the same level as students that have not been exposed to the information, now have the chance to catch up to the class. This is useful when studying patterns of inheritance. This website addresses a vast array of topics using videos, interactive simulations, animations, voice, tours, and visuals. These topics entail:
For students that need to be challenged at a higher level, there are more in dept topics such as molecules of inheritance, chromosomes and inheritance, characteristics of inheritance, genetics and the brain, epigenetics, genetic science. These topics review material with regards to mitosis, meiosis and DNA replication. Using this site, teachers can build handout and allow students in class to use their technology to fill in out. Students can also take the worksheet hope for completion once given the link during class. This website allow for a great deal of differentiation which teachers can use to their discretion.
- What is heredity
- What is a trait
- What is DNA?
- What is a Gene?
- What is a Protein?
- what are chromosomes?
For students that need to be challenged at a higher level, there are more in dept topics such as molecules of inheritance, chromosomes and inheritance, characteristics of inheritance, genetics and the brain, epigenetics, genetic science. These topics review material with regards to mitosis, meiosis and DNA replication. Using this site, teachers can build handout and allow students in class to use their technology to fill in out. Students can also take the worksheet hope for completion once given the link during class. This website allow for a great deal of differentiation which teachers can use to their discretion.
CONSOLIDATION:
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Passing the ball: This technique involves the teacher using a soft ball as a method for consolidation. At the end of class, the teacher passes the ball to random students and asks them open ended questions which relate to the lesson. Students then get the chance to answer the questions and pass the ball back. Students are also allow to pass the ball once to get help from another student but if the student they pass it to does not have the answer, the passing student will have to research the answer and bring it next class. This activity helps students keep focused as they know that they are responsible for their learning. At the end of class, all students are alert as they do not know if they will get the ball which means that all students should be prepared if they do get it.
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Figure 6B
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