Students will discover the similarities and differences in traits among family members and how each trait might have been inherited.
Additional Resources:
Acknowledgments
The idea for this lesson plan was adapted from the "Where 'd You Get Those Genes " curriculum,developed by California Agriculture in the Classroom (http://www.cfaitc.org/Resource_Materials/Lesson_Plans/lessonplans4_6.html).
Throughout history, many animals and plants have been bred to perpetuate certain traits. Cows, horses, tomatoes, corn and strawberries are just a few examples of living things that have been selectively bred by humans. Horse breeders are very aware of family traits. The traits for which they breed horses can be visible, such as hair coloring and muscularity, or invisible, such as temperament and health characteristics.
1-Use science process and thinking skills.
2-Manifest scientific attitudes and interests.
3-Understand science concepts and principles.
4-Communicate effectively using science language and reasoning.
Paternal Grandparents | Maternal Grandparents | |
Father | Mother | |
Offspring |
Post the large sheet of butcher or chart paper in an accessible location. Have each student team place their horse on the paper in the appropriate location to form a family tree. Ask the team to describe their horse 's traits. Have students draw lines between the horses as appropriate to show lines of descent between generations.
As a class, discuss the similarities and differences in traits among the family members and how each trait might have been inherited. Point out to students that traits are inherited from both parents. However, these traits are not always expressed in every generation (such as the blue eyes that Paint and his maternal grandmother have).
Additional questions for discussion:
a. What traits were unique to Paint?
b. If another animal were chosen would you be able to determine from which
parent its traits may have been inherited? How would you do it?
c. Can you name other inherited traits that may not be visible?
Invite a horse breeder as a guest speaker.
This lesson is part of the Fifth Grade Science Teacher Resource Book (TRB3) http://www.usoe.org/curr/science/core/5th/TRB5/. The TRB3 is designed to be your textbook in teaching science curriculum to your students. This book covers all the objectives of each standard and benchmark. If taught efficiently, a student should do well on the End-of-Level (CRT) tests. The TRB3 is designed for teachers who know very little about science, as well as for teachers who have a broad understanding of science.