Unit X: Inheritance and Variation of Traits- Introduction

Guided Notes

Objective: Students will create an initial model about DNA and chromosomes, and their
relation to variation in sibling appearances, using prior knowledge and information from the
anchoring phenomenon.

NGSS Standard: HS-LS3-1. Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA
and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to
offspring.

Genetics:
Discussion! What is/are genetics? Have you heard this term before? Where have you heard
it? What does it make you think of?
Write down some thoughts….
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Think About It! Think about your own family. Do you think you look like them? Do you look
like your siblings? Do you look more like your mom or more like your dad? Or neither?
Write down some thoughts….
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US Birth Rates Graph:

Observe how many millions of babies are born in the US every year. We are all human,
right? Why do we all look so different then?
Write down some thoughts….
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Anchoring Phenomenon:
Think About It! Make observations about these girls. What do you notice? What do you
wonder? What are you curious about? What questions do you have about their
relationship?
Write down some thoughts….
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Reaction to the video:

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Driving Question:
How can siblings have the same parents, yet look so different?

Initial Unit Model

Throughout this unit, you will be creating and revising a model to show & explain the
driving question of: How can siblings have the same parents, yet look so different?

In this initial model, I want you to show me how you think two siblings can have the same
parents but look different.

Your initial model must include:

● two people (siblings)
● at least 1 zoom in bubble to show what is going on "inside"
● at least 1 figure caption to explain what is going on
Jot down some ideas of elements you want to include in your model….
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