Are you my mommy?

A related activity is the Take Home Lab - What are some traits in your family?

STANDARD 3200-04 Students will understand reproduction and heredity of organisms.
OBJECTIVE 3200-02 Recognize and explain how certain traits are passed from parents to offspring.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

• 2d. Collect and record data using procedures designed to minimize error.
• 2g. Construct models and simulations to describe and explain natural phenomena.
• 4d. Recognize the personal relevance of science in daily life.
• 6d. Construct tables, graphs, charts, diagrams, and models to describe and summarize data.

Background:
Information on how to construct a pedigree chart. (provided below)

Summary:

• Students will interview family members and select a specific inherited trait that is present in the family.
• Student will construct a personal pedigree chart.

Materials:

• letters / phone calls to relatives
• colored construction paper
• pencils/markers

Safety concerns:

Students, be sure to follow all teacher directions.

Student Procedures:
1. Student will interview family members and select a specific inherited trait that can be shown on a pedigree chart (left-handedness, hitchhiker's thumb, tongue rolling, color blindness).
2. Student will construct a family pedigree chart showing immediate and extended family members. Use a square for a male, circle for a female. Prepare a key to show symbols for the trait.
3. Student will write a paragraph explaining the selected trait and the pedigree.
(Students, who are adopted or do not know relatives, could do a pedigree for a classmate.)
4. Sharing and discussion follows as students present their own pedigree charts.