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Teaching for Understanding
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TfU Picture of Practice:
Bill McWeeny's Genetics and Family Tree Unit
A Year of 8th Grade Science Contents

Summary Teacher's Guide The Unit in Action
The Genetics/Family Tree Unit introduces students to Mendel's studies of genetics with the garden pea plant. Students learn about incomplete and complete gene dominance as well as probability through their readings. Next, students learn Punnett Squares and work with single and double crosses. By dissecting a flower and learning about its reproductive process, students can take their understanding of inherited traits even further. Finally, students create a genetic Family Tree (a pedigree) and take a test to show their understanding.

 • Implementing the
Genetics/Family Tree Unit

 • The Genetics/Family Tree Unit and the Teaching For Understanding Framework

See examples of student work, reactions and assessment.

 

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A Year of 8th Grade Science Contents

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