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Grade 8–College. For a class of 30 students. Why just tell students about genetics when they can learn the basic principles of Mendelian genetics and the concepts of inheritance by observing real plants? This kit was previously titled 3, 2, 1—Countdown to Genetics because students examine 3-day-old plants to study 2 phenotypes, allowing you to do 1 assessment of their understanding. All kit activities can be completed in just 3 class periods—and everything is included except a light source.

Product Details

• Allows students to observe and collect phenotype data from 3 plant generations.
• Middle and high school lab investigation with enough materials for 10 lab groups.
• Carolina Kits 3D®—Labs that use phenomena to support NGSS and 3-dimensional instruction.

Students germinate Wisconsin Fast Plants® seeds to study the inheritance of two phenotypes: stem color and seedling height. These phenotypes can be scored in the seedling stage. The P₁ , F₁, and F₂ seeds are provided in the kit so students do not have to make the crosses themselves. They germinate the seeds, make predictions, and modify their predictions on the basis of data that they collect.

Time Requirement
One class period for teacher prep and pre-lab. Four class periods for investigations.

Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support 3-dimensional instruction for NGSS. Digital resources may include a teacher manual and student guide, pre-lab activities and setup videos, phenomenon videos, simulations, and post-lab analysis and assessments.

Performance Expectations
HS-LS3-2

Crosscutting Concepts
Cause and Effect

Disciplinary Core Ideas
HS-LS3.B: Variation of Traits

Science and Engineering Practices
Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Learning Objectives

• Observe the inheritance of a phenotypic trait in 3 generations of seedlings to obtain evidence of how variation can occur between parents and offspring.
• Analyze and interpret observational data that is evidence of variation in inherited traits.
• Develop a claim that includes the idea that heritable genetic variations may result from new genetic combinations through meiosis.
• Compare predicted results with results from experimental data to construct explanations of the variations of traits observed.
• Engage in argumentation from evidence to support or refute explanation given for the variation of traits that occurs between parental and offspring populations.

Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills
Students should be familiar with basic genetics principles and terms. They should also be acquainted with the use of Punnett squares to predict patterns of inheritance in traits that are controlled by complete dominance when performing monohybrid and dihybrid crosses.