This is an asynchronous class where students will do fun creative models and extract DNA from strawberries. Students are assigned different tasks throughout the course to keep them motivated and learning. They are to share their tasks with their peers by taking pics and posting them in the classroom.

They will have pre-recorded lessons from the instructor or Youtube instructors that will explain science concepts in detail. The hands-on activities of designing a plant cell, making a double helix, and extracting DNA from a strawberry make learning Genetics dynamic and fun.
* All assignments are sent via Google Slides that require permission before opening. Therefore, once they arrive students should request immediately so that when they come to do the assignments they are available instead of waiting for the instructor to respond. I am not available 24/7. 

Lesson 1
Introduction to Genetics - What are the parts of a plant cell? Students will create a model of the cell using a template.  I will show the student step-by-step how to assemble their plant cell through pre-recorded lessons. 
They will learn why Gregor Mendel was so interested in pea plants through a coloring handout depicting the seven traits he discovered.

Students will view various videos answering the following questions which they will be responsible to write down and submit to me.
Questions to Consider:
-What is Genetics? 
-Why is it important to us?
-What is a gene?
-Who was the father of Genetics?
STUDENT INTERACTION:
Learners will be expected to complete a Google Doc chart of their family genetic traits. Each student will be able to add their information from those enrolled. It is a cumulative effort for everyone to contribute and complete the trait information chart.

Lesson 2       Lab, Vocabulary, Punnett Squares
Students will learn what is a Punnett Square and how to do them on a worksheet.
Students will be given a list of vocabulary words they will learn by writing and quizzing themselves with flashcards or post its.
Before building their DNA model they are to color the Double Helix Coloring Worksheet to familiarize themselves with the parts of the DNA.
Students will proceed to build DNA using different materials that are readily available. I will show the student step-by-step how to assemble their DNA. Students are to assemble and then submit a pic of their models to show that they completed this assignment.

STUDENT INTERACTION:
After learning different vocabulary terms associated with this topic. Students can play online Jeopardy with their classmates by stating the definition on our Jeopardy game board (Google Docs) and then someone can asynchronously answer back the term being depicted by editing the chart. (This is if there is more than one student enrolled.)

Lesson 3
LAB TIME! 
After viewing a personalized message from their instructor about the materials needed they will proceed to extract DNA from strawberries with household items.
If you would like to follow along with this lab, you will be directed to the instructions and videos.
Questions to Consider:
-What did mashing the strawberries do to the cell?
-What did the salt and soap do to the plant cell?
-Why must the alcohol be cold for the experiment to work?
-What did the DNA look like after the experiment was done?
STUDENT INTERACTION:
Through the DNA Lab Chart, students can asynchronously state what they used for salt (iodized, Himalayan, Kosher, pickling salt, bamboo salt, sea salt), detergent (name the brand), alcohol (what percentage), and strawberries (frozen, fresh organic, or GMO). Then comment on their outcome. How much DNA did they collect? None, a string, or a glob of it? This would be a great comparative chart and help students view how different products can produce different results.

Lesson 4
Let's write a lab report or a video blog about the experiment. It will be shared with their peers. 
STUDENT INTERACTION:
Students will do a peer assessment. They may comment on a Google Docs Peer Review Sheet designed for them to write their names, their peer's names, and then what they thought of their written or video blog submission. 

***There will be intermittent videos to better explain certain concepts.