Genetics - Similarly Genetically Different

Similarly Genetically Different

Teacher: Richard Silva: East Providence, RI
Subject: Basic Genetics
Grade Level(s): 7 12
Target Audience: Biology I, Life Science
Materials Needed: 2 stools
Class Time: 15 minutes
Brief Summary: How can humans who are remarkably so similar be so dissimilar? The answer lies in the fact that although we contain the same chromosomes, the genes on those chromosomes are different.
Student Objective(s): Student will be able to list basic human traits that all humans share, will be able to list traits that make us different from one another, and distinguish between a chromosome and a gene.
Description of Activities: 2 individuals (the two most physically different) are selected to sit in front of the class. The class makes a list of 10 ways the 2 individuals are alike & 10 things different about them. (Must be physical characteristics).