Animal Genetics (9 Weeks: Grades 7-12)

Grade Level:  7-12th

Length: 9 Weeks

Description of Class: 

This course discusses the principles of genetics with application to the study of biological function at the level of molecules, cells, and multicellular organisms, including humans. The topics include: structure and function of genes, chromosomes and genomes, biological variation resulting from recombination, mutation, and selection, population genetics, use of genetic methods to analyze protein function, gene regulation and inherited disease.

Mrs.Collins is a certified science teacher with 25 years of experience. She currently writes science curriculum for many public school systems. This course will focus on the basics of genetics, genetic scientists, genetic history, traits and a unit on animal genetics. Mrs. Collins has taught Animal Genetics at UGA. 

Class Approach: Students will work in GC on 5-7 weekly assignments. Along the way, students will add assignments, notes, and diagrams to their science spiral notebook. This course will involve case studies, and lots of Punnett square practice.

Goals:

To review basic biology genetics fundamentals.

To develop students’ knowledge of more complex genetic inheritance patterns.

To help students recognize and understand the use of a variety of scientific tools for manipulation of DNA (terms and techniques).

To enable students to read about genetically modified organisms and DNA testing and write about it in a way that reflects intelligent and thoughtful analysis.

To provide a wide range of learning opportunities, including worksheets, labs, tests, and essays, in order for students of varying ability levels to be successful.

To learn what is currently being utilized in the realm of genetics and glimpse what future advances may be possible.

Objectives:

The student will review the fundamentals of basic genetics.

The student will be able to predict the outcome of both simple and more complex genetic crosses using Punnett Squares.

The student will explore how mutations in DNA can lead to changes in proteins for favorable or less favorable outcomes in offspring.

Textbook: None required, online textbook chapters will be provided. We will be using CK-12 Flexbooks, Glencoe, Holt and UGA Animal Science resources.

Main Supplies/Resources Needed:

• Webcam, microphone, printer, and computer

• Notebook (spiral notebook 90 pgs or more), pens, pencils, scissors, tape, glue, computer paper, construction paper, coloring pencils, markers

• Play-doh or clay for several activities

• Notecards, highlighter, and something to hold notecards for each week (ziploc bags)

• Yarn or string, cardboard/thick poster board, and thumb tacks for family tree web project

• DNA Helix-cardstock paper, markers, Twizzler candy, toothpicks, gumdrops

• Calculator

Requirements: The student will need access to a computer and wifi. Student need to be able to upload images of work, upload video responses, and complete assignments independently, but with some parent supervision.

Weekly Homework: Students will have 5-6 min assignments each week. In addition to weekly assignments, labs and online interactives are part of the curriculum. This course provides lots of hands-on activities and labs. 

Week 1    Cell, DNA

Week 2    Chromosomes, Karyotypes

Week 3-4   Gregory Mendel, Punnett Square

Week 5     Human Inheritance

Week 6    Transcription, Translation

Week 7   Gene Mutations &  Genetic Engineering 

Week 8    Animal Genetics

Week 9  End Project, Review, Final Exam

This course is available using the self paced model or through an instructor led method. 

Self Paced

This option is best for students who want to work at their own pace without strict assignment deadlines. With this learning model, students will have a full year to complete the course. Students can work independently in Google Classroom, with parent check ins each week or the parent can use the material to teach the student from home. 

Instructor Led

This option is best for students who need weekly deadlines and may need instructor help during the course. During the session the instructor will meet 1:1 via Zoom with the student on 6 occassions (per session) to go over material, perform live testing methods, help with labs, or summarize upcoming assignments. With this learning method, students will need to complete the weekly tasks before the next Zoom session so that class pacing can occur. Mrs. Collins is a triple certified teacher and her experience in the classroom and as a science cuirriculum writer will provide your child access to a qualified teacher 1:1 for quality instruction. Feel free to message Mrs. Collins to see what time slots she has available for 1:1 instruction. Each Zoom session last 45 minutes, and 6 Zooms are included.