Genetics - Grade 9 MYP 4

Genetics - Grade 9 MYP 4

• This unit explores how characteristics are passed from one generation to another.
• Evidence suggests that our identities and relationships with others are influenced by both our genetics and our environment.
• Key concepts include patterns and relationships, along with evidence supporting inheritance.
• Inquiry questions center on the roles of DNA, genes, and chromosomes in inheritance. They explore the interaction of dominant and recessive alleles, and the extent to which humans should intervene in genetic inheritance.
• The learning objective is to analyze the mechanism of inheritance of genetic traits.
• Learning outcomes include formulating hypotheses based on blending theory, predicting genotypic and phenotypic ratios of inheritance, and evaluating hypotheses based on genetic experiment results.
• Concepts like relationships, patterns, evidence, and communication skills are emphasized.

Blending Theory

• Before the study of genetics, blending theory was the prevailing idea of inheritance.
• This theory proposed that offspring inherit a mix of traits from their parents, resulting in the offspring having characteristics that are intermediate between those of the parents.

Mendel's Experiments

• Gregor Mendel's experiments challenged the blending theory.
• He conducted genetic experiments on pea plants, which led to crucial findings.

Mendel's Hypotheses

• Mendel's hypotheses focused on the combination of parent traits and their effects on offspring traits.
• These hypotheses were developed to address the impact of parent traits on the traits of their offspring. Researchers developed two hypotheses—one for when parent traits were the same, and another when they were different.

Predictions

• The unit moves to predictions for experiments using mice.
• Three types of mice pairings were to be considered and included in predictions.

Experiment Procedures

• Detailed steps are provided for performing experiments and recording the results.
• Different mouse pairings are used in the experiments to generate various results.
• Students are guided through clear steps of an experiment to help them follow and understand each step.

Checkpoints

• These checkpoints prompt students to evaluate the percentage of offspring with specific traits from different parent pairings based on the procedures.
• These evaluations are essential for understanding the results of the various experiments.

Experiment 2 Procedure

• Further experiments are detailed.
• Similar procedures are followed but with variations in parent pairings.

Checkpoints (Experiment 2)

• Students are required to determine the percentage of offspring having specific traits.

Evaluate the Hypothesis

• This section focuses on using CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) to evaluate whether the hypothesis is supported or not supported based on the data.
• The evidence, reasoning, and claim must be directly compared with the results.

Evaluate the Hypotheses

• The hypotheses are evaluated—supported partially or wholly—depending on the observed results, along with the reasoning behind these evaluations.

Extension for Fast Finishers

• Offers opportunities for further experiments and investigation about the subject matter.

Exit Ticket

• This part of the lesson requires recalling and defining certain terms relevant to genetics, including: chromosome, gene, allele, hybrid, homozygous, heterozygous, genotype, phenotype, and ratio.

This quiz examines the principles of genetics as taught in Grade 9 MYP 4. Explore how traits are inherited from one generation to the next, the influence of DNA and genes, and the interaction of alleles. Assess your understanding of key concepts like inheritance patterns, dominant and recessive traits, and the ethical considerations surrounding genetic intervention.