7th Grade Science

Genetics Unit Objectives

Based on material presented in class, on our class website, and in the textbook, 7th grade
Science students will
(Directions or a worksheet will be provided for each objective)
7.L.2.1: Students will know that somatic (body) cells go through the process of mitosis in order to grow and divide.
Students will know each phase of mitosis. Students know that cells can grow and divide through budding, binary fission
and regeneration as well as mitosis. Students will know that meiosis produces greater variation as a result of crossing
over in chromosomes. Students know that there are similarities between meiosis and mitosis, but that mitosis is a form
of asexual reproduction and meiosis is a form of sexual reproduction.

1 explore genetics using the activity Introduction to Genetics.

2 develop a response to the question on Written Task: Cancer. Criterion D.
3 complete the Forms of Asexual Reproduction table.
4 create a Mitosis poster.
5 complete the Sexual Reproduction worksheet.
6 watch the video about Genetic Variation and answer the questions.
7 develop a response to the question about Mutations. Criterion D.
8 design an experiment for Genetic Variation. Criterion B/C.
9 complete the Mitosis vs Meiosis table.
Lecture on mitosis and meiosis. We will discuss how somatic cells grow and divide through asexual
reproduction (mitosis). Also, we will discuss meiosis, the genetic variation that results in it, as well as
compare and contrast asexual and sexual reproduction. - Quiz will follow.
7.L.2.2: Students will know how to determine the probability of inheriting certain traits by using a Punnett Square.
Students will know the difference between homozygous and heterozygous as well as dominant and recessive so that
they can accurately set up Punnett Squares for crosses between organisms. Students know how to determine modes of
inheritance for genetic diseases. Students will know how to analyze a pedigree as well as how to create one.

10... read about Gregor Mendel and his pea plants.

11 complete the Punnett Square worksheet.
12 get boxed in with the Bikini Bottom Genetics worksheet.
13 design an experiment using Punnett Squares. Criterion B/C.
14 learn family histories through the Pedigrees activity.

 15 explore Genetic Diseases. Criterion D.

Lecture on Punnett Squares and Pedigrees. We will discuss the probability of inheriting traits using Punnett
Squares, the differences of homologous, heterozygous, dominant, recessive, and how to use pedigrees to
predict the inheritance if genetic diseases. - Quiz will follow.
7.L.2.3: Students know that the probability of inheriting a specific genetic disease is based on not just genes, but also on
behavioral and environmental factors.

16 explore the differences of Genetic and Environmental Factors.

17 read about Genetic Technology and answer the questions.
18 participate in a Nature vs Nurture Debate. Criterion D.
19 create a response to the Re-Pet Infomercial. Criterion D.
Lecture on Nature vs Nurture. We will discuss how genetic diseases are influences by the environment as
well as the genes one is born with. - Quiz will follow.