Mrs. Swett's Science Site
Driving Question: Why are we the way we are?
Nature Vs. Nurture
Heredity and Reproduction Step 2
There has been a long debate over whether the traits of a person are largely due to what they have inherited from their parents or whether they are due to how a person has been brought up and the experiences that may have shaped their thinking and actions. This debate has been dubbed the "Nature Vs. Nurture" Debate.
In this Step you will learn about the work of Gregor Mendel, the Father of Genetics as well as Simple Inheritance Patterns to understand the basics of inheritance. You will also explore the Nature Vs. Nurture Debate and have the chance to perform your own investigation.
Heredity and Reproduction Step 2 Capacity Matrix
Use this to make sure you have learned the material to master the learning target.
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H&R Assignment Tracker
Use this to help you keep track of the learning activities you have completed and have left to do.
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Nature Vs. Nurture Syllabus
Includes daily topics and teacher-pace due dates for assignments.
Section 1: Basic Inheritance
Learning Activities
What is Variation? (If you are completing this unit on
your own, you will need to watch this video to understand
(Username: eighthgrade Password: science)
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2. 6 Experiments that Changed the World: Mendel's Peas
3. Inherited Traits Lesson (Presentation, Notetaker, and INB Page)
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Section 2: Probability of Inheritance
Learning Objectives:
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Is skilled at using a Punnett Square to predict the probability of inherited traits in offspring.
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Know the terms: phenotype, genotype, allele, homozygous, heterozygous, trait, dominant, recessive, probability, genetics, heredity, nature, nurture
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(Username: eighthgrade Password: science)
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5. Dragon Genetics OR Genetics with a Smile
6. Genetics PowerPoint with Notetaker and INB Page
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9. Punnett Square Quiz (complete in class)
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Section 3: Nature Vs. Nurture
Level 3 Learning Target
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Understands how heredity and inheritance shape physical traits and behaviors.
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Knows the terms: nature, nurture
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10. Environmental Influence on Traits
11. Nature Vs. Nurture Stations
- Link to Research It! Website
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12. Nature Vs. Nurture PowerPoint with Notetaker and INB
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Level 2 Knowledge:
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Knows the contributions of Gregor Mendel to the understanding of genetics. ​
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Know the terms: inherited trait, acquired trait, gene, trait, dominant, recessive, variation, genetics, generation, DNA, heredity
Additional Helpful Resources
(Especially if you are learning on your own)
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What is Meant by Genetic Difference?​
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Additional Materials
Vocabulary Notebook - Fill this out as you learn about the different terms.
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Assess​
(These can be done in any order)
1. Heredity and Environment Lab Report
2. Heredity and Reproduction Step 2 Test
(see link to Study Guide above)
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3. Complete the Challenge
- Environmental Influences on Plant Growth Investigation
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