A Journey into Heredity

Introduction

Welcome to the fascinating world of genetics! Have you ever wondered why you have your mom’s eyes or your dad’s hair color? Or why some people can roll their tongues while others cannot? Genetics holds the answers to these questions! In this WebQuest, you will embark on a journey to understand the building blocks of life—genes. You’ll explore how traits are passed from parents to offspring and how this knowledge is used in our everyday lives.

Task

Your mission is to become a genetics detective! By the end of this WebQuest, you will:

  • Understand the basics of DNA, genes, and chromosomes.
  • Learn how traits are inherited using Punnett squares.
  • Investigate a real-life example of genetic inheritance in plants, animals, or humans.
  • Create a presentation (poster, slideshow, or cartoon) that explains a specific genetic trait or disorder and how it is inherited.
Process
 

Start by watching a short video on DNA and genes to understand the basics. Then, read a brief article explaining how traits are inherited from parents to offspring.



Choose a specific trait (e.g., eye color, tongue rolling) or a genetic disorder (e.g., cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia).

Research how this trait or disorder is inherited. Who in a family might have it, and who might not?



Using the information you've gathered, create a presentation that explains the genetic trait or disorder you researched.

Your presentation should include: an introduction to the trait or disorder, an explanation of how it is inherited, a Punnet square example, and interesting facts or recent discoveries related to the trait or disorder.

While you are free to research and use any credible sources on the internet, I recommend using the following links for this process:

https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/Punnett Square

https://wordwall.net/resource/27803657/science/punnett-square-gameshow-quiz

https://www.dnaftb.org/Genetics Home Reference

https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeAL6xThfL8

 
Evaluation

Understanding of Concepts (40%): Demonstrates a strong understanding of genetic concepts, including DNA, genes, inheritance, and Punnett squares.

Research and Analysis (30%): Quality of research on the chosen trait or disorder; ability to analyze and explain inheritance patterns.

Creativity and Presentation (30%): Creativity in the presentation format and clarity in explaining the trait or disorder.

Conclusion

Congratulations on completing your genetics WebQuest! You have uncovered the mysteries of how traits are passed down through generations. Understanding genetics gives you a glimpse into the blueprint of life and helps explain the diversity of living organisms.

Teacher Page

The following WebQuest was designed to provide students with an interactive opportunity to explore the role of genetics and heredity in living organisms and to demonstrate their learning in a product that is most accessible to them. The following Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are explored through this at-home activity: MS-LS1-5. Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.