Introduction to Pedigree Charts: Symbol Meanings & Relationships

$6.59

The lesson unfolds with a thorough review of fundamental genetics vocabulary, including key concepts like gene vs. allele, genotype vs. phenotype, and homozygous vs. heterozygous. Students have the opportunity to gauge their comprehension levels through a self-assessment, followed by an optional hyperlinked review for those seeking additional reinforcement. This includes interactive online games for an enjoyable practice experience. The exploration continues with the introduction of the term "carrier" and a deep dive into why carriers must always possess heterozygous traits.

Students then delve into the world of pedigree charts, learning the symbols and promptly applying their newfound knowledge to related questions. The lesson seamlessly progresses to the representation of relationships on a pedigree chart, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of this vital tool.

In a captivating real-life application, students examine the historic case of Charles II of Spain, unraveling the genetic factors that contributed to the end of his lineage. This cross-curricular activity provides a high-interest context for students to apply their genetics vocabulary and pedigree chart interpretation skills.

Empower your students with the Pedigree Chart Interpretation Google Slides Lesson. Order now and equip your students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to excel in genetic studies.

Daily slide + literacy - based exit ticket included with purchase

Join the Lesson Laboratory and Teach for Tomorrow!

NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards)

High School NGSS Alignment

  • HS-LS3-1: Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.
    Connection: Students use pedigree charts to trace inherited traits and connect phenotypes to genotypes.

  • HS-LS3-3: Apply concepts of statistics and probability to explain the variation and distribution of expressed traits in a population.
    Connection: Students interpret inheritance patterns (dominant, recessive, and sex-linked traits) using real-world examples of pedigree data.

  • HS-LS4-2: Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of evolution primarily results from genetic variation among individuals due to mutation and sexual reproduction.
    Connection: The historical inbreeding case provides evidence of reduced genetic diversity and its biological consequences.

Science & Engineering Practices:

  • Analyzing and interpreting data

  • Constructing explanations

  • Engaging in argument from evidence

  • Using models (pedigree charts)

Crosscutting Concepts:

  • Patterns

  • Cause and effect

  • Systems and system models

Middle School NGSS Connections (for adaptation)

  • MS-LS3-2: Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in identical genetic information, while sexual reproduction results in variation.
    Connection: Students explore how reproduction between relatives reduces genetic variation.

  • MS-LS3-1: Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects.
    Connection: The historical example demonstrates harmful recessive traits expressed through inbreeding.

Common Core Standards

Grades 9–10 / 7–8:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.2 / RST.6-8.2: Determine central ideas or conclusions of a scientific text and summarize the connections between genetics and historical context.

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.7 / RST.6-8.7: Integrate quantitative or technical information (pedigree charts) with textual evidence.

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.1 / WHST.6-8.1: Write arguments or explanations supported by evidence from visual and textual sources (exit ticket explanation).

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.9 / WHST.6-8.9: Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis and conclusions about inherited traits.

The lesson unfolds with a thorough review of fundamental genetics vocabulary, including key concepts like gene vs. allele, genotype vs. phenotype, and homozygous vs. heterozygous. Students have the opportunity to gauge their comprehension levels through a self-assessment, followed by an optional hyperlinked review for those seeking additional reinforcement. This includes interactive online games for an enjoyable practice experience. The exploration continues with the introduction of the term "carrier" and a deep dive into why carriers must always possess heterozygous traits.

Students then delve into the world of pedigree charts, learning the symbols and promptly applying their newfound knowledge to related questions. The lesson seamlessly progresses to the representation of relationships on a pedigree chart, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of this vital tool.

In a captivating real-life application, students examine the historic case of Charles II of Spain, unraveling the genetic factors that contributed to the end of his lineage. This cross-curricular activity provides a high-interest context for students to apply their genetics vocabulary and pedigree chart interpretation skills.

Empower your students with the Pedigree Chart Interpretation Google Slides Lesson. Order now and equip your students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to excel in genetic studies.

Daily slide + literacy - based exit ticket included with purchase

Join the Lesson Laboratory and Teach for Tomorrow!

NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards)

High School NGSS Alignment

  • HS-LS3-1: Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.
    Connection: Students use pedigree charts to trace inherited traits and connect phenotypes to genotypes.

  • HS-LS3-3: Apply concepts of statistics and probability to explain the variation and distribution of expressed traits in a population.
    Connection: Students interpret inheritance patterns (dominant, recessive, and sex-linked traits) using real-world examples of pedigree data.

  • HS-LS4-2: Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of evolution primarily results from genetic variation among individuals due to mutation and sexual reproduction.
    Connection: The historical inbreeding case provides evidence of reduced genetic diversity and its biological consequences.

Science & Engineering Practices:

  • Analyzing and interpreting data

  • Constructing explanations

  • Engaging in argument from evidence

  • Using models (pedigree charts)

Crosscutting Concepts:

  • Patterns

  • Cause and effect

  • Systems and system models

Middle School NGSS Connections (for adaptation)

  • MS-LS3-2: Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in identical genetic information, while sexual reproduction results in variation.
    Connection: Students explore how reproduction between relatives reduces genetic variation.

  • MS-LS3-1: Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects.
    Connection: The historical example demonstrates harmful recessive traits expressed through inbreeding.

Common Core Standards

Grades 9–10 / 7–8:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.2 / RST.6-8.2: Determine central ideas or conclusions of a scientific text and summarize the connections between genetics and historical context.

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.7 / RST.6-8.7: Integrate quantitative or technical information (pedigree charts) with textual evidence.

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.1 / WHST.6-8.1: Write arguments or explanations supported by evidence from visual and textual sources (exit ticket explanation).

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.9 / WHST.6-8.9: Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis and conclusions about inherited traits.