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Genetics Activities for Middle School Science

The resources below will provide students a comprehensive understanding of genetics. All of the following lessons are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.

The Genetics 5E Lesson includes materials for every "E" phase, including the Genetics Station Lab for Exploration and an interactive PowerPoint with digital INB templates for Explanation.

The lesson also includes introduction materials for Engagement, student-choice project ideas for Elaboration, and assessments for Evaluation.

After completing the Genetics 5E Lesson, students will be able to describe genetics and how Punnett squares are used to help determine inherited traits. Key vocabulary includes: genes, alleles, traits, genotype, phenotype, homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, and recessive.

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The Genetic Variation Inquiry Lab is a hands-on activity that is differentiated for advanced, on-level, and modified middle school students.

In this lab, students will prepare yeast slides and observe them budding during asexual and sexual reproduction.

The Genetic Variation Inquiry Lab includes a brief reading passage, comprehension checks, hands-on activities, reflection questions, and a CER conclusion.

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The Genetics Sub Plan is a complete lesson that takes students through a warm-up, reading passage, independent activity, extension activities, and an assessment.

The worksheets are designed to make your sub day a breeze for you, your students, and the substitute teacher. They are also perfect for distance learning.

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Year-Round Resources

These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics. All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.

Visual Data & Graphing

You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.

Bell Ringers and Warm-Ups

These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.

Review Board Games

Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.

Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.


Essential Questions and Standards

Below are the essential questions and standards associated with the lessons and activities included in the genetics unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.

Essential Questions
  • What is genetics?
  • How are Punnett squares used to describe the genetic relationship between parent to offspring?
Standards
  • MS LS1-5 - Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms
  • MS LS3-1 - Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism
  • MS LS4-4 - Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals’ probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment
  • TEKS Science 7.14 C - Recognize that inherited traits of individuals are governed in the genetic material found in the genes within chromosomes in the nucleus

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Kesler Science Membership

Imagine never having to search for another middle school science lesson again. The membership gives you access to ALL of the Kesler Science products in one place (Yes, including everything above).

Say goodbye to long hours of lesson prep.