• AN EXAMPLE OF HOW THE INSPIRATION SOFTWARE CAN BE USED TO TEACH GENETICS

GRADE LEVEL: 8 & 9, but can be adapted to any grade level

SUBJECT: Science

SYNOPSIS/ABSTRACT:

This lesson is to introduce an example of how Inspiration® software can be used in the science classroom. Basic keys, such as pedigrees, are easy to construct and change using this program. Lots of variations can be added to the simple version of the pedigree.

CHIEF OBJECTIVES OF LESSON:

1. Design a pedigree showing described family traits.

2. Read a pedigree and describe the traits of that pedigree.
3. Use computer technology and the appropriate software to complete this scientific task.
4. Design a pedigree of your family to follow the pattern of a genetic trait.

WV I.G.O.s: Grade 8: 8.15, 8.16, 8.17, 8.19, 8.20, 8.25, 8.32, 8.36, 8.37,

8.84, 8.85, 8.86, 8.87, 8.90, 8.91, 8.92, 8.93

Grade 9: 9.10, 9.12, 9.20, 9.23, 9.33, 9.101, 9.102, 9.104,

9.105, 9.10

* This lesson could serve I.G.O.’s for many different grade levels. It

MATERIALS NEEDED: Computers with Inspiration® software installed.

ADVANCED PREPARATION:

1. Define genetic traits – Any characteristic that may be passed from
   one generation to the next, examples might be left/right handedness, eye color, hemophilia, etc.
2. Definition of a pedigree – a diagram that show the history of a trait

   from one generation to the next.

3. Rules for drawing pedigrees:

   1. Squares represent males
   2. Circles represent female
   3. Horizontal lines represent parents
   4. Vertical or diagonal lines represent children
   5. Children should be place in birth order, or oldest to youngest.
   6. An X through a square or circle represents a deceased individual.
   7. The pedigree must have a title.
   8. A key to explain how the trait is represented must be visible.
   9. Several generations may be shown on the pedigree.

4. Students should be familiar with the computer and computer terminology.

EXAMPLE PEDIGREE:

ACTIVITY NUMBER 1:

Make a pedigree using information of the Thomas family:

The father and mother have three children. The two oldest children are girls and the youngest child is a boy. The oldest daughter is married and has an older son and younger daughter. The middle child is married and has a son. The youngest child is not married. Everyone in this family is right handed except the father, the oldest daughter, and the granddaughter.

See "The Thomas Family" Inspiration Concept Map (view only)

Download "The Thomas Family" Inspiration file

PROCEDURE:

1. Make a square and a circle to represent the 2 parents.
2. Put the children in the next row. 2 circles, then one square.
3. Make a horizontal line between the parents.
4. Use the free draw to make a vertical line to attach the children to the parent line.
5. Add a husband for each of the 2 daughters. (You may need to move, or readjust the location of the symbols at this point)
6. Connect the husbands to the wives with a horizontal line.
7. Add the grandchildren. A square then a circle for the oldest child, just a square for the middle child.
8. Connect the grandchildren to the parents using a vertical line.
9. Make the key to represent right and left handedness.
10. Use the key to show the appropriate individuals as left-handed.

ASSESSMENT: Compare the pedigree to the answer key. It should look similar, but refer to the key for the traits in your chart.

ACTIVITY NUMBER 2:

Make a pedigree of a trait in your family or a family with which you are familiar. Show at least 3 generations.

1. Start with the parents.
2. Add the children.
3. Add any spouses and grandchildren.
4. Add a title to the chart.
5. Add a key to identify the trait in the chart.