Genetic Variation

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.

3 Lessons

Lesson 1: The Solve
  • Animated mystery
  • Vocabulary manipulative
  • Interactive quiz
  • Exit ticket
Lesson 2: The Lab
  • Hands-on lab
  • Fully prepared PowerPoint
  • Inquiry scale for differentiation
  • Lesson plan
  • Student guide
  • Graphic organizers
  • Setup cards
  • Assessment rubric
Lesson 3: The Engineer
  • Engineering challenge
  • Fully-prepared PowerPoint
  • Inquiry scale for differentiation
  • Lesson plan
  • Student guide
  • Graphic organizers
  • Assessment rubric
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