7th Grade Science Curriculum: Reproduction and Inheritance 🌱
Lesson 1: Introduction to Reproduction 🌸
Utah Seed Standards
- Standard 7.LS.1: Students will describe the structures and functions of the male and female reproductive systems.
- Standard 7.LS.2: Students will recognize the differences between sexual and asexual reproduction.
Vocabulary
- Reproduction: The process by which organisms produce new individuals.
- Asexual Reproduction: A method of reproduction without the fusion of gametes, resulting in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.
- Sexual Reproduction: A type of reproduction that involves the combining of genetic material from two parents, producing genetically diverse offspring.
- Gametes: Reproductive cells that unite during fertilization.
- Fertilization: The process where a male gamete combines with a female gamete to form a zygote.
- Zygote: The fertilized egg that develops into an embryo.
- Embryo: A developing organism in the early stages of development.
- Chromosomes: Structures that carry genetic information.
- Genes: Units of heredity that are transferred from parent to offspring.
- DNA: The molecule that holds genetic information.
Activities
- VR Activity (Victory XR): Explore the anatomy of the male and female reproductive systems in a virtual lab.
- Group Discussion: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of sexual and asexual reproduction.
Assessment
- Quiz: A short quiz on the vocabulary terms and concepts covered in the lesson.
Lesson 2: Genetics Basics 🧬
Utah Seed Standards
- Standard 7.LS.3: Students will identify the role of genes and chromosomes in inheritance.
- Standard 7.LS.4: Students will explain how traits are inherited through generations.
Vocabulary
- Inheritance: The process by which genetic information is passed from parents to offspring.
- Alleles: Different forms of a gene.
- Dominant Trait: A trait that will appear in an organism if one of the parents contributes it.
- Recessive Trait: A trait that must be contributed by both parents to appear in the offspring.
- Phenotype: The observable characteristics of an organism.
- Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism.
- Homozygous: Having two identical alleles for a specific gene.
- Heterozygous: Having one dominant and one recessive allele for a specific gene.
- Punnett Square: A diagram used to predict the outcome of a particular cross.
- Variation: Differences in physical traits among individuals.
Activities
- VR Activity (Engage): Use VR to simulate a Punnett Square experiment for breeding traits in pea plants.
- Collaborative Project: Create a family tree that illustrates the inheritance of a trait over generations.
Assessment
- Worksheet: Complete a Punnett Square problem set.
Lesson 3: The Role of DNA in Inheritance 🧬🔍
Utah Seed Standards
- Standard 7.LS.5: Students will explain the structure and function of DNA.
- Standard 7.LS.6: Students will describe how DNA influences traits.
Vocabulary
- Nucleotide: The basic building block of DNA.
- Double Helix: The structure of DNA, resembling a twisted ladder.
- Replication: The process by which DNA makes a copy of itself.
- Mutation: A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to different traits.
- Transcription: The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.
- Translation: The process where RNA is translated to form proteins.
- Proteins: Molecules that perform many functions in the body, including catalyzing reactions and providing structure.
- Chromatin: The material of which the chromosomes of organisms are composed.
- Gene Expression: The process by which the information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product.
- Genomic Sequencing: Determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome.
Activities
- VR Activity (Victory XR): Visualize a DNA molecule and explore its function in a 3D environment.
- Group Activity: Design a poster that explains the process of DNA replication.
Assessment
- Quiz: Identify parts of a DNA molecule and its functions.
Lesson 4: Patterns of Inheritance 🌍
Utah Seed Standards
- Standard 7.LS.7: Students will investigate how traits are passed from parents to offspring using Mendel's laws.
- Standard 7.LS.8: Students will analyze patterns of inheritance.
Vocabulary
- Mendelian Inheritance: The pattern of inheritance characteristic of organisms that reproduce sexually.
- Law of Segregation: The principle stating that alleles segregate from one another during gamete formation.
- Law of Independent Assortment: The principle stating that genes for different traits are inherited independently of each other.
- Autosome: Any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome.
- Sex Chromosome: A chromosome involved in determining the sex of an organism.
- Carrier: An individual that has one copy of a recessive allele that does not produce a phenotype.
- Monohybrid Cross: A cross between individuals focusing on one trait.
- Dihybrid Cross: A cross between individuals focusing on two traits.
- Linked Genes: Genes that are located close together on the same chromosome and tend to be inherited together.
- Polygenic Inheritance: The inheritance of traits that are controlled by multiple genes.
Activities
- VR Activity (Engage): Perform a virtual Mendelian cross and observe the expected ratio of traits in offspring.
- Collaborative Experiment: Conduct simulations with different inheritance patterns using model organisms (like fruit flies).
Assessment
- Reflection Paper: Write a detailed explanation of Mendel’s experiments and their significance.
Lesson 5: Human Genetic Disorders 🏥
Utah Seed Standards
- Standard 7.LS.9: Students will understand the basis of human genetic disorders.
- Standard 7.LS.10: Students will investigate heredity and its impact on health.
Vocabulary
- Genetic Disorder: A disease caused by abnormalities in genes or chromosomes.
- Chromosomal Abnormality: A deficiency or excess of chromosomes.
- Hereditary: Able to be passed from parents to offspring.
- Autosomal Disorders: Disorders caused by mutations in non-sex chromosomes.
- Sex-Linked Disorders: Disorders linked to genes located on sex chromosomes.
- Carrier Screening: Testing to determine if an individual is a carrier of a genetic disorder.
- Prenatal Testing: Testing done during pregnancy to determine whether the fetus has certain genetic disorders.
- Genetic Counseling: A process to help individuals understand genetic disorders and risks.
- Stem Cells: Undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into many different cell types.
- Gene Therapy: A technique that modifies genes to treat or prevent disease.
Activities
- VR Activity (Victory XR): Learn about genetic disorders through patient simulations in a virtual clinic.
- Class Debate: Discuss ethical considerations surrounding genetic testing and gene therapy.
Assessment
- Presentation: Research and present a case study of a genetic disorder.
Conclusion
This curriculum is designed to engage 7th-grade students through hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and the use of cutting-edge VR technology. By integrating vocabulary, standards, and comprehensive assessments, students will gain a thorough understanding of reproduction and inheritance, developing both critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills.