Monday, February 24, 2014

MS - LS3.A (B) - Inheritance - FINAL (WND 2/25/2014)

Module: Inheritance
DCI: LS3.A (B) Variations of inherited traits between parent and offspring arise from genetic differences that result from the subset of chromosomes (and therefore genes) inherited.

PE: 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.]

- Differences in the traits of parents and offspring are the result of differences that result from the chromosomes that are passed down. 

We can use Punnett squares to point to differences in the characteristics of offspring from their parents.  Students need to understand that because of sexual reproduction, genetic information is not identical between generations, it is changed. It looks like it might be ok to ask one question about the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction, but we need to leave the mechanisms of types of reproduction to another batch.  

It may be a stretch to have students use Punnett squares without knowledge of vocabulary terms like heterozygous and homozygous, but we should avoid questions that depend on students knowing these words.  If we can get at the concept without assigning a specific vocabulary term, that will be best. 

Possible Question Starters: 

"The offspring of an organism produced through asexual reproduction is always –
correct answer - genetically identical to its parents


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