Pass It on! Let's Learn Genetics

This 4 -day class will cover the basic concepts in Genetics including learning Genetic vocabulary, calculating probability of offspring using Punnett Squares, Codominance and tracing genetic traits through families using Pedigrees.  In does align with the Next Generation of Science Standards for Inheritance and Variation of Traits. As their teacher, I will guide the students through the concepts, answer questions, lead discussions and encourage success. I will use real world examples that the students can relate to as well as some famous characters.
Day one: Students will learn basic Genetic vocabulary such as dominant, recessive, homozygous and heterozygous and will look at ten of their own traits and calculate the percentage of dominant and recessive traits they have. 
Day two: Students will learn how to predict probability of genetic crosses by working Punnett Squares. The concept of Codominance will also be taught. Real world examples are used as well as popular cartoon characters to enhance the learning experience.
Day 3: Students will learn how Pedigrees show traits as they are passed from one generation to the next. Students will create Pedigrees by looking at traits of families.
Day 4: Students will create their own genetic cartoon based on the traits of the "parents" of the cartoon. Students will be able to draw their Genetic cartoon character and share them with the rest of the class.