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The article Introduction to Heredity part 1 was very informational. As a child, my elementary science teacher posed similiar questions on traits. I particularly enjoyed how the teacher incorportated a tree map into the activity. By using the tree branches with leaves to exhibit which students possess specific traits, the students can make more inferences about inheritance. Overtime, I believe the educator can incorporate future discussion of genetics. For example, students could run an experiment to determine what traits might be passed down through generations. 

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Heredity part 1 article.pdf (0.24 Mb)

I had the same experience as you did with my own elementary science teacher!

Same here! I think I will be using this.

Me too. I really think this is a great way to introduce these topics with heredity in a way that will make sense to students and give them a good foundation for their future to come.

I loved the tree activity you mentioned along with all the other great introductory activities mentioned in the article! Glenco Science also has a great online simulation with traits and Punnett Squares! In the simulation the students are creating their own creature! They are given different genotypes and have to make a Punnett Square for each trait! At the end they choose one square from the Punnett Square to represent the phenotype and create their creature! 

This is a really cool way to introduce these concepts. Thanks for sharing!