Genotype Vs Phenotype: Why Do Dogs Look so Different?
In this 2-week course, students will learn why there is so much diversity in domesticated dogs through basic genetics.
Shaelynn Settanni, B.S. Biology
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(49)
What's included
2 live meetings
1 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Have you ever wondered why our dogs look so different from each other? Why a Corgi has those cute stubby legs, but Great Danes are super lean and tall? Or why some dogs are couch potatoes while others are super active? Dogs have a long history with humans going back thousands of years, and are considered to be our oldest companions. People have many different thoughts and ideas on the subject, but what if I told you that humans made our dogs look different on purpose? In this 2-week course, students will get to learn about their canine companions in a new way, while also understanding the basic concepts of genetics through Slides, games, and discussion. Week 1: Slides and discussion: What is genetics and what can studying it tell us? How long have domesticated dogs been around? How do genetics affect dogs versus other species? How does breeding dogs work? Game: "Let's play with genes!" - Students will be given different genes for different characteristics and have to guess what the results might be based on their combination choices. Week 2: Slides and discussion: Why do we breed dogs the way we do? What are the different breed groups dogs can be put in? What behaviors are typical of each group? Even though dogs look very different, do they behave all that differently? What are some misconceptions of certain breeds? Game: "Match that breed" - Students will be given different dog breeds and have to guess which breed group they belong to and why. This is an informative, fun class for any student who loves dogs and wants to learn more about them! No prior knowledge is needed for this course, but it does require a good amount of student discussion and participation.
Learning Goals
Students will gain an understanding of basic genetics and the genetic differences of individual dog breeds, as well as the different breeding purposes or jobs of those breeds based on their specific differences.
Other Details
Supply List
The games for this class will be part of slide presentations, so no materials will be needed unless students want to take notes on their own.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined September, 2020
5.0
49reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Illinois Teaching Certificate in Science
Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from Saint Xavier University
My bachelor's degree was centered round animal and environmental studies, requiring extensive research on topics such as genetics and animal studies all 4 years. I have also worked with dogs for a number of years as a dog bather, daycare attendant, and kennel manager at a local animal hospital. Reviews
Live Group Class
$30
for 2 classes1x per week, 2 weeks
45 min
Completed by 25 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
1-4 learners per class
