Classical Genetics Learning Activities (Distance Learning)

This zip file is a comprehensive file (36 pages of student materials which can be used in a biology or genetics course to construct a complete unit on classical (non-molecular genetics). It contains several PowerPoints/cloze notes, worksheets, labs, and quizzes and tests which I have elaborated upon in the following paragraphs. 

Word documents are provided when possible for easy edit as well as pdf and PowerPoint files. These documents are well suited for use in distance learning environments. 

Two PowerPoints are included. The first PowerPoint addresses the background to Mendel's work, Mendel's Laws, sample genetics problems involving these laws including the dihybrid cross, as well as terminology associated with these topics (genotype,phenotype, filial generation, etc.) This 41 frame PowerPoint can be used to complete the 8 page cloze note packet associated with the PowerPoint. 

The second PowerPoint addresses topics beyond Mendelian genetics. Concepts such as the test cross, probability rule, incomplete dominance, codominance, blood group heredity, sex-linked heredity, sickle cell anemia, lethal alleles as well as some examples of the interaction of environment and heredity are discussed. This 59 frame PowerPoint can be used to complete the 9 page cloze note packet associated with this PowerPoint. 

A third PowerPoint contains a Jeopardy review game of 25 questions. 

The Marzano learning goals for this classical genetics packet are also included. 

This zip file also contains four worksheets with associated answer key/teaching PowerPoints covering many concepts in basic genetics. Topics addressed include genotype, phenotype, Mendel's Laws, Law of Dominance crosses, dihybrid crosses, intermediate inheritance, codominance, sex-linked and blood group crosses. 35 total problems of varying difficulty are included in these four worksheets and all answers are addressed in the PowerPoints which I have used in my classroom to discuss the answers and concepts addressed on the worksheets. 

Two practice tests containing a total of 70 questions of various formats with answers are also included. These may be given to students for additional practice or used for sources of testing materials for the teacher. 

A one page quiz with answer key, as well as a comprehensive 40 question exam with answer key are also included in this package.  The package also includes a listing of Animations and Videos on concepts in basic genetic crosses and concepts

NGSS Standards

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

HS-LS3-2. Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.

HS-LS3-3. Apply concepts of statistics and probability to explain the variation and distribution of expressed traits in a population.

Common Core State Standards Connections:

ELA/Literacy

RST.11-12.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending to important distinctions the author makes and to any gaps or inconsistencies in the account.

WHST.9-12.1 Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.

Mathematics

MP.2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

NY Living Environment Core Curriculum Performance Indicators and Major Understandings

Performance Indicator 2.1

Explain how the structure and replication of genetic material result in offspring that resemble their parents.

Major Understandings

2.1a Genes are inherited, but their expression can be modified by interactions with the environment.

2.1b Every organism requires a set of coded instructions for specifying its traits. For offspring to resemble their parents, there must be a reliable way to transfer information from one generation to the next. Heredity is the passage of these instructions from one generation to another.

Bundle and Save!

Many more biology materials are available from Monday's Rescue.   The Biology/Life Science Course contains 22 units which can be used to develop a full year course.   A purchase of the Biology/Life Science Course provides significant savings of over 70% compared to purchasing each of the 22 units individually.  This course is available for $24.99.   It contains over 900 pages of learning materials and 1500 plus PowerPoint slides. 

This year long course contains the following units:

• Life Processes and Introduction to Classification Learning Activities
• Cell Structure and Function Lesson Activities
• Membrane and Membrane Processes Learning Activities
• Introduction to Biochemistry and Enzymes Lesson Activities
• Human Nutrition Learning Activities
• Human Circulation Learning Activities
• Immunity Lesson and Lab Activities
• Human Respiration Learning Activities
• Introduction to Cell Respiration Learning Activities
• Introduction to Human Excretion and Human Locomotion Learning Activities
• Nervous and Endocrine Systems Lesson Activities
• Introduction to Mitosis and Asexual Reproduction Lesson Activities
• Introduction to Meiosis Lesson Activities
• Reproduction and Development Lesson Activities
• Plant Systems and Adaptations Lesson Activities
• Photosynthesis Learning Activities
• Plant Reproduction and Development Lesson Activities
• Classical Genetics Learning Activities (Mendelian and Beyond Mendel)
• Introduction to DNA, RNA, Protein Synthesis and Biotechnology Lesson Activities
• Introduction to Evolution Lesson Activities
• Ecology Lesson Activities
• Human Ecology Learning Activities
• Complete NY State Living Environment Regents Review Packets with Answers

View the contents of the whole year course in more detail at  Biology/Life Sciences Complete Course

Terms of Use

Purchase of the product is for classroom use by the purchaser only. It is a violation for individuals, schools, and districts to redistribute or sell this item on the Internet or to other individuals. I do encourage you to use and edit these documents to suit your needs with your own students in distance learning environments.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.