Download Genetics Syllabus.pages - Maranacook Area Schools

Mysterious of Genetics & DNA Syllabus
(2015-2016 / Trimester 2)
Richard Aspinall - Team Katahdin
This second trimester class will focus on the Mystery of Genetics & DNA. The focus will
be on student understanding of Mendelian Genetics, Punnett Squares, the
Classification of Living Things, Heredity, the Inheritance of Traits, and the story that DNA
tells us. Current events will also be discussed to include cloning and genetically altered
foods.
Essential Questions:
1. How do the traits of each parent get passed on to their offspring?
2. What is the difference between asexual and sexual reproduction, and how does it
affect genetic outcomes?
3. What does it mean to be genetically modified?
Next Generation Science Standards:
MS-LS3 Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits
LS3-1. Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes
(mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful,
beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism. [Clarification
Statement: Emphasis is on conceptual understanding that changes in genetic material
may result in making different proteins.]
MS-LS3-2. Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in
offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring
with genetic variation. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on using models such as
Punnett squares, diagrams, and simulations to describe the cause and effect
relationship of gene transmission from parent(s) to offspring and resulting genetic
variation.]
State of Maine Learning Results:
Standard E- The Living EnvironmentE4- Heredity and Reproduction - Students will describe the general characteristics and
mechanisms of reproduction and heredity in organisms, including humans, and ways in
which organisms are affected by their genetic traits.
• Students will explain that sexual reproduction includes fertilization that results in the
inclusion of genetic information from each parent and determines the inherited traits that
are part of every cell. (Punnett Squares)
•
Students will describe asexual reproduction as a process by which all genetic
information comes from one parent and determines the inherited traits that are a part of each cell
Class Structure and Grading:
Labs, Presentations & Assessments = 60%
Students will investigate with several labs, and will perform several
demonstrations (presentations) during this unit. Students will also be assessed
with tests and quizzes.
Homework = 40%
Homework assignments will be used to enhance lab work and improve
understanding of Genetics and DNA. Homework is to be turned in on time for full
credit, as each assignment is a building block in the analysis of our Genetics unit.
Late work will be accepted/not accepted on a case to case basis.
Class and Work Expectations
Students are expected to arrive on time and prepared each day. They are also expected
to turn in work on the day it is due, except in the case of absence. If there are special
circumstances that will prevent a student from completing work by the due date, it the
student’s responsibility to talk to the teacher before the work is due. If a student misses
school, it is his/her responsibility to speak to the teacher immediately upon return to
school to find out what was missed and when the missed work will be due.