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Crazy Chromosomes
Take your study of genetics to the next level.
Crazy Chromosomes helps students make the
connection between DNA, genes,
chromosomes, and phenotypes. Use these
colorful manipulatives to build sets of
chromosomes, model gamete formation
through meiosis, and model fertilization. Crazy
Chromosomes is designed to work in tandem
with the Crazy Traits heredity module
(available separately). Build a diploid set of
chromosomes for a “crazy creature.” Then,
model how gametes are formed and combine
them to produce genetically diverse offspring.
Next Generation Science Standards Connection
The investigations in this CPO Science Link module build conceptual understanding and skills for the following
NGSS Performance Expectations:
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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.
MS-LS4-5. Gather and synthesize information about the technologies that have changed the way humans influence
the inheritance of desired traits in organisms.
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.
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.
HS-LS4-2. Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of evolution primarily results from four
factors: (1) the potential for a species to increase in number, (2) the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a
species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, (3) competition for limited resources, and (4) the proliferation of
those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the environment.
HS-LS4-4. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations.
HS-LS4-5. Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in: (1)
increases in the number of individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, (3) the extinction
of other species.
CPO Science Link Crazy Chromosomes
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Crazy Chromosomes
This CPO Science Link module includes 15-20 inquiry-based investigations.
Sample content and skills covered include the following:
Concept
Key Question
Learning Goals
Vocabulary
Genetic Material
What is the genetic
material and how
is it organized in
cells?
• Explain the function of DNA
• Describe the structure of chromosomes
• Build a model of a chromosome
DNA, chromosome,
gene, genetic material,
genome
Traits and
Chromosomes
What are
chromosomes
and how are
they related to
Inherited traits?
• Explain that the alleles an organism receives
are determined by which of its parents' alleles
are actually passed on.
• Identify how chance plays a role in determining
an organism's genetic make-up.
• Relate that an organism's genotype determines
its phenotype.
chromosome,
karyotype, genotype,
phenotype, allele,
probability
Mitosis
What is mitosis
and what is its
function in
organisms?
• Model the process of mitosis
• Describe the function and products of mitosis
• Explain the role of mitosis in asexual reproduction
mitosis, asexual
reproduction, body
cells, budding,
daughter cell, diploid
Meiosis
What is meiosis
and what is its
function in
organisms?
• Model genes and chromosomes
• Model the process of meiosis
• Explain why sexual reproduction produces
genetic variation while asexual reproduction
produces uniform offspring
meiosis, mitosis,
gametes, egg, sperm,
centromere,
homologous
chromosome
Reproduction
Why does sexual
reproduction
produce genetic
variation?
• Model genes and chromosomes
• Model the process of meiosis
• Explain why sexual reproduction produces
genetic variation while asexual reproduction
produces uniform offspring
mitosis, meiosis,
asexual reproduction,
sexual reproduction,
chromosomes,
gametes
How DNA and
Genes
Work
How do genes work
in organisms?
• Relate the structure of DNA/genes to their
function
• Model the process of DNA replication
• Model the process of protein synthesis
DNA, ribosome,
amino acid,
transcription,
translation, base
pair, protein
synthesis
Mutations
What are
mutations and
how do they
occur?
• Develop a model of how mutations occur
• Give real life examples of mutations
• Explain how mutations can be harmful and
helpful to a population of organisms
environment,
ecosystem,
adaptation, habitat,
natural selection
Sex-Linked Traits
and
Genetic Disorder
How are sexlinked traits
passed on to
offspring?
• Model how sex-linked traits are passed on
to offspring
• Create a pedigree chart from genetic information.
• Explain how genetic disorders are passed
down through generations
sex chromosomes,
sex- linked trait, X
chromosome, Y
chromosome,
pedigree, carrier,
genetic disorder
Genetic Variation
and
Biodiversity
Why is genetic
variation important
to the survival of a
species?
• Model the process of how genetic variation
occurs in a population
• Develop a model of how genetic variation could
enhance the survival of a population or
organisms
• Explain how genetic variation leads to
and supports biodiversity
natural selection,
population,
species, genetic
variation, mutation,
biodiversity,
extinction, mass
extinction
CPO Science Link Crazy Chromosomes
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Concept
Natural Selection
and
Evolution
Key Question
What is the role of
genetic variation in
natural selection
and speciation?
CPO Science Link Crazy Chromosomes
Learning Goals
• Model the role of genetic variation in
natural selection
• Construct an explanation based on
evidence for how natural selection leads to
adaptation of populations
Vocabulary
natural selection,
genetic variation,
speciation, population
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