Creature Genetrics

In this middle school activity students start out by creating and building their own arthropod using simple easily available materials. They then determine the dominant and recessive traits... See More

In this middle school activity students start out by creating and building their own arthropod using simple easily available materials. They then determine the dominant and recessive traits of these creatures as well as their genotype and phenotype. After assessing another creation they use a Punnett square to determine the offspring of those two arthropods. This looks like a great way to have students understand the basic concepts behind simple genetics.

The Genetics of Imaginary Arthropods

The author of this article combines a study of arthropods with genetics. Students construct imaginary arthropods from a chart of parts that identify the phenotypes and genotypes of these cr... See More

The author of this article combines a study of arthropods with genetics. Students construct imaginary arthropods from a chart of parts that identify the phenotypes and genotypes of these creatures and then match them up with another student’s arthropod to develop a Punnett Square of possible offspring. It is an interesting approach to combining these two topics but also a fun one for middle school students. For the teacher all worksheets and prep information is provided.

Arthropod Genetics

This engaging art/biology activity captivated my middle school and high school zoology students. Students utilize basic genetic vocab, Punnett Squares, and arthropod classification keys to ... See More

This engaging art/biology activity captivated my middle school and high school zoology students. Students utilize basic genetic vocab, Punnett Squares, and arthropod classification keys to construct arthropods from recyclable materials. Assessment and extension ideas are an added support. This activity will prove memorable.

Cool Idea

This is an interesting article for middle school teachers. Students have an understanding of arthropod classification, basic genetics vocabulary, and problem-solving with Punnett squares. ... See More

This is an interesting article for middle school teachers. Students have an understanding of arthropod classification, basic genetics vocabulary, and problem-solving with Punnett squares. They build imaginary arthropods using simple everyday items specific to particular body characteristics. There is a worksheet provided, suggested interdisciplinary activities and assessment advise as well. This looks to be a fun activity with lots of learning potential and high student interest.

Applying Genetics

This unit plan shows tie-in within the discipline of biology. Students design model arthropods. They determine the genotype and phenotype of their arthropod. They analyze possible genetic ... See More

This unit plan shows tie-in within the discipline of biology. Students design model arthropods. They determine the genotype and phenotype of their arthropod. They analyze possible genetic combinations of their arthropod and another classmate's arthropod using Punnett squares. They then determined what the offspring would be from that type of cross. Students then make sample organisms. Pictures of student work, materials list showing possible genotypes and phenotypes, construction checklist that helps students determine class of their organism, and possible extension activities are included.

Arthropod Genetics

Middle school students love to create; this activity teaches basic genetics and arthropod classification in an engaging manner by having students create their own arthropods from inexpensive... See More

Middle school students love to create; this activity teaches basic genetics and arthropod classification in an engaging manner by having students create their own arthropods from inexpensive and common household materials. A list of cross-curricular suggestions can be utilized to further develop concepts related to natural selection.