Second quarter brought us to my absolute favorite unit in life science: genetics and heredity. From DNA replication to the Meiosis Square Dance to Punnett Squares to debating the ethics of genetics, I just love introducing this topic to my students. It's so relatable for them because it's personal - it gives them an idea of why they are the way they are, and they always have great stories and personal experiences to share. They also, without fail, have tons of questions that I simply can't answer because I have not devoted my life to the study of genetics - a fact that I must remind them on a daily basis. The bottom line is that this unit really gets them thinking!
We began with the basics: DNA. They literally squealed with joy when I pulled out the gummy bears for the DNA replication activity, and they couldn't wait to finish so that they could eat their genes.
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| All about that base ... the nitrogenous bases, that is. |
During cell division week students built models of cells going through mitosis - many of which involved food. After they presented their projects we feasted on cell cookies, gummy worm chromosomes, and ice cream cytoplasm. Then we admired the fully-functioning mitosis windmill - quite possibly the most creative cell cycle display I've ever graded!
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| I asked them to pose with their projects. His was a video, so he wanted to pose with his USB. |
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| They tricked me into eating a candy that they knew would dye my tongue blue. |
As we learned about how genes code for specific traits, students took a survey of Mendelian traits among their families: attached or free earlobes, rolled tongues, dimples, etc. We "bred" special dogs by mapping out their genes and constructing their chromosome, then had a "dog show" comparing all the similarities and differences among them. This led to an interesting discussion about dog breeds and the numerous odd dog combinations my students have come across...
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| The dogs and their unique chromosomes |
Finally, we wrapped up the unit with a study of the laws of heredity, gender-linked traits, and odd cases like the Blue People of Troublesome Creek (Google the Fugate family). Students wrote genetic crosses, tested various combinations of parent traits, then used their knowledge of dominance to map out the genetic pedigrees of various families.
This last week we looked at how genetic mutations take place, and the effect they have on a person. It led to a great discussion on the value of human life, the way we treat people who are different from us, and what causes us to behave the way we do. I was impressed with the points my students made and the depth of understanding they already possess, and I took the opportunity to challenge them. We talked about how ignorance and fear can sometimes cause us to treat people in less than respectful ways, and how as Christians we have a responsibility to love those around us. I encouraged them to be aware of the world around them, to seek truth, and look for ways to understand and love those who are different from them.
I can't believe we are just a few days away from the end of our first semester together! These kids have worked hard over the last few weeks and I'm sure they are just as excited about Christmas break as I am.
THANK YOU for the role you have played in allowing me to share my heart and my passion with these kids.
