Genetics: true or false?
In this activity, students use an interactive or paper-based graphic organiser to explore common alternative conceptions about genetics. This activity can be done individually, in pairs or as a whole class.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
explain their thinking behind where they have placed the information
explain some key genetics terms including ‘DNA’, ‘gene’ and ‘chromosome’
describe the basic processes by which genetic information is passed from 1 generation to the next.
Genetics: true or false? – graphic organiser
True
False
Not sure
Unused items
- DNA is found inside the cell nucleus
- You have the same set of genes as your neighbour
- DNA is found in all our cells
- Chromosomes can be seen without a microscope
- The DNA in your skin cells is different to the DNA in your liver cells
- Human cells contain 46 chromosomes
- Genes are made of DNA
- Brothers and sisters have identical DNA
- Genes code directly for our traits
- Genes pass from 1 generation to the next via chromosomes
- 1 gene is responsible for 1 trait
- Your phenotype can change throughout your life
Genetics: true or false? – graphic organiser
Use an interactive graphic organiser to explore common alternative conceptions about genetics with your students. Place each label where you think it belongs. This activity can be done individually, in pairs or as a whole class.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
extension ideas
student worksheets
teacher answer sheet.
Related content
The following articles provide background information on some of the science ideas and concepts behind this activity:
Activity idea
In the activity Genetics webquest, students carry out a genetics webquest using resources from the Science Learning Hub or a genetics animation from the Learn Genetics website.
