Description
Students germinate seeds from P1, P2, F1, and F2 generations. They observe the seedlings from P1 and F1 and construct an inheritance pattern model to predict the phenotype and genotype of P2 and what the F2 seedlings will look like. After they examine the actual P2 and F2 seedlings, they can revise their model and explain the results based on the data they collected. The driving question that students investigate is, “How do trait variations in Fast Plants® seedlings reveal inheritance patterns?” A pre-lab exercise presents a fictional scenario that introduces students to the phenomenon of phenotypic variation and gives students practice identifying an inheritance pattern.
Time Requirement
Approximately six 50-minute class periods over the course of 9 to 10 days: 20 minutes for teacher prep and 1 class period for pre-lab; 4 class periods for investigation; and 1 class period for the assessment.
Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support 3-dimensional instruction for NGSS. Digital resources may include a teacher manual and student guide, pre-lab activities and setup videos, phenomenon videos, simulations, and post-lab analysis and assessments.
Performance Expectation(s)
HS-LS3-3
Crosscutting Concepts
Patterns
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Variation of Traits
Science and Engineering Practices
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Learning Objectives
Use evidence gathered from observations and data collection to explain an inheritance pattern. Infer from observation how genes code for the purple stem trait expressed in Fast Plants®. Develop a model that shows how traits are inherited over several generations.
Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills
Students should know about Mendelian genetics and how to create and interpret Punnett squares.