Environment/Heredity and Gene Expression for Middle School Science Learning Package

The Heredity and Environment Influence on Gene Expression Learning Activities package for Middle School Science introduces students to basic concepts involving the following topics included in NGSS MS-LS1-5: 

• Abiotic and Biotic Factors
• Environmental Influences on Gene Expression
• Adaptations for Survival in Select Environments (intertidal organisms and others)
• Selective Breeding
• Data Collection and Analysis of Environmental Factors Influencing Gene Expression

The contents of the package include completion notes with an associated PowerPoint, a 12 page worksheet which includes data analysis/graphing activities, a lab activity and unit quiz. The 28 pages of student activities will facilitate student engagement and understanding. All materials are highly editable to meet your needs. The materials are well suited for use in most distance learning environments. With the exception of the PowerPoints, all activities are in both word and pdf format. Answer keys are included for all items. Specific information about the materials in this package are in the list that follows:

• NGSS, Common Core and Local Learning Objectives and Standards (2 pp.)
• Interaction of Heredity and Environment on Gene Expression Completion Notes (7 pp.)
• PowerPoint to accompany the Completion Notes (21 slides)
• Factors Influencing the Growth of Organisms Worksheet 1 (45 written response, graphing and multiple questions) including completion, constructed response and multiple choice questions) (12 pp.)
• Salt Concentration and Radish Seed Germination Lab Activity (5 pp.)
• Heredity and Environment Quiz (20 multiple choice questions) (4 pp.)

NGSS Learning Standard

Students who demonstrate understanding can: 

MS-LS1-5. Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms. 

Common Core State Standards Connections: 

ELA/Literacy 

RST.6-8.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts. 

RST.6-8.2 Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; provide an accurate summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.

WHST.6-8.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.

WHST.6-8.9 Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Mathematics 

6.SP.A.2 Understand that a set of data collected to answer a statistical question has a distribution which can be described by its center, spread, and overall shape. 

6.SP.B.4 Summarize numerical data sets in relation to their context. 

Local Learning Objectives 

Upon the completion of this unit the student will be able to: 

1.   recognize that both environmental and genetic factors influence the growth and development of living things.
2.   define the terms trait, gene and mutation.
3.   define the term abiotic factors.
4.   list several examples of abiotic factors.
5.   describe the influence of cold temperatures on the expression of the gene for fur color in the Himalayan hare and the Siamese cat.
6.   describe how drought alters the expression of the genes for plant growth.
7.   describe how fertilizer alters the expression of the genes for plant growth.
8.   describe how and why light alters the distribution of phytoplankton in the ocean.
9.   recognize that without light, the expression of the gene for photosynthesis does not occur.
10. identify some adaptations that are required for living things living in intertidal regions.
11. describe how temperature limits where some living things can exist.
12. discuss how temperature changes influences the level of dissolved oxygen in an aquatic environment.
13. recognize that different species have different dissolved oxygen requirements in an aquatic environment.
14. define the term biotic factors.
15. list several examples of biotic factors.
16. list several reasons overcrowding may restrict the growth of organisms.
17. describe some basic population interactions between predators and their prey.
18. recognize diseases caused by bacteria will have varying effects on organisms based on their genetic makeup.
19. explain what is meant by a genetic factor.
20. list several examples of genetic factors producing adaptations in living things.
21. define the terms and state the purpose of selective breeding and inbreeding.
22. list a potential drawback of inbreeding in plants and animals.
23. describe how selective breeding was used to create the Santa Gertrudis cattle breed.

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.

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