Unit Overview

In this unit about genetic variation, learners help Mosa solve the mystery of why some organisms have identical offspring and others have offspring that exhibit variation. Through the mystery as well as a hands-on modeling activity, learners will discover that organisms can reproduce sexually or asexually, leading to different amounts of genetic variation. After learners fully understand both reproductive processes and their results, they genetically engineer a solution to a hypothetical alien problem.

  • Lesson 1
    Lesson 1: Solve: Celebrity Family Traits + DNA Mystery

    Solve: Celebrity Family Traits + DNA Mystery

    Choose to solve either a live video mystery comparing traits of celebrities and their children or an animated mystery exploring why algae siblings look identical, yet frog sisters look different. Students discover the difference between asexual and sexual reproduction and how they create different offspring. (Live Solve: 45-70 minutes; Animated Solve: 45-80 minutes).

  • Lesson 2
    Lesson 2: Make: Compare Asexual & Sexual Reproduction

    Make: Compare Asexual & Sexual Reproduction

    Learners engage in the hands-on modeling activity of creating two alien families: one that produces asexually and one that produces sexually. (150 minutes)

  • Lesson 2
    Lesson 2: Extension: Punnett Squares

    Extension: Punnett Squares

    Students analyze dominant and recessive genes using Punnett squares and apply their knowledge to solve a “baby swap” case.

  • Lesson 3
    Lesson 3: Engineer: Genetically Engineer a Solution to an Alien Problem

    Engineer: Genetically Engineer a Solution to an Alien Problem

    Building off the “Make,” learners genetically engineer a solution to a hypothetical alien problem. Learners use scientific reasoning to justify the ideal parent genetic combination for their chosen trait (150 minutes)

  • Next Generation Science Standards
    MS-LS3-2
    Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on using models such as Punnett squares, diagrams, and simulations to describe the cause and effect relationship of gene transmission from parent(s) to offspring and resulting genetic variation.]
  • Inquiry Scale
    • Each lesson in the unit has an Inquiry Scale that provides directions on how to implement the lesson at the level that works best for you and your students.
    • “Level 1” is the most teacher-driven, and recommended for students in 4th-5th grades. “Level 4” is the most student-driven, and recommended for students in 7th-8th grades.
    • For differentiation within the same grade or class, use different inquiry levels for different groups of students who may require additional support or an extra challenge.
  • Common Misconceptions
    • Learners can be confused by the idea of genes coding for proteins which determine traits because they have only heard the word protein in the context of food. Highlight that the protein in the food we eat is broken down into smaller parts called amino acids. Those amino acids are then used as building blocks for this process.
    • Learners are initially uncertain about the difference between a gene and a trait, so take time to highlight this both in the episode and the vocabulary mind map before moving on to the “Make.”
    • Learners at first believe that if the offspring have a physical trait in common with one parent, that trait comes wholly from one parent. Emphasize that offspring get half their DNA from mom and half from dad, and this applies to every trait. It is helpful to scaffold this during the “Make” by showing one allele coming from mom and one from dad to create the trait in the offspring.
  • Vocabulary
      • Gene
      • Chromosome
      • Trait
      • Mutation
      • Asexual Reproduction
      • Sexual Reproduction
  • Content Expert
    • Bruce Grant, Ph.D
      Professor of Biology Emeritus; College of William & Mary
  • Leveled Reading

    * To give our users the most comprehensive science resource, Mosa Mack is piloting a partnership with RocketLit, a provider of leveled science articles.

    • We're All Different

      Most of our traits are inherited, or passed down, from our parents. Some of them can be the result of mutations, which is an important of the genetic variation that makes different organisms unique and more likely to survive in a changing environment.

    • How do Living Things Change?

      How do living things change into all the different organisms around us? In this article, students read an introduction to the idea that genes are responsible for creating proteins. Mutations in genes can change the proteins that are made and this can change the traits of the organism.

    • Things That Show and Things That Don't

      Traits are not just a blend of mom and dad's genes. Instead, dominant and recessive alleles determine what traits offspring will have.

    • How Do I Look?

      This article introduces students to the ideas of nature (what we start with) and nurture (the effect of our environment on us as we live and grow). We may start out one way, but the environment helps shape our genes into the people we will eventually become.

    • Where Did I Come From?

      This article provides background information to students for inheritance, explaining that enes are passed down from generation to generation and provide the instructions for new living things (offspring).