Unit Plan 27 (Grade 7 Science): Genetics — Quarter Synthesis

Focus: Explain inheritance patterns and trait outcomes using models (Punnett squares, pedigrees, mutation models, artificial selection scenarios) and evidence-based arguments about how genes, environment, and technologies influence traits and design decisions.

Grade Level: 7

Subject Area: Science (Life Science — Inheritance & Variation; Engineering Design)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this synthesis unit, students bring together all genetics learning from the quarter: inheritance basics, genes and proteins, mutations, genetic variation, Punnett squares, environmental effects on traits, artificial selection, and engineering trait-focused solutions. They use models to represent inheritance patterns in asexual vs. sexual reproduction, and to show how mutations can be harmful, beneficial, or neutral depending on context. Students also gather and synthesize information about technologies that influence artificial selection and evaluate trait-focused design solutions using data and criteria. The unit culminates in a Genetic Inheritance & Solutions Portfolio that includes models and written arguments aligned with MS-LS3-1–2, MS-LS4-5, and MS-ETS1-2–3.

Essential Questions

• How do genes, chromosomes, and different types of reproduction explain patterns we see in traits and variation?
• How can mutations and changes to genes affect proteins and traits in harmful, beneficial, or neutral ways?
• How do technologies that influence artificial selection change the way humans guide traits in crops and animals?
• How can we use models, data, and criteria/constraints to evaluate and argue for the best trait-focused design solutions in agriculture or conservation?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Use models (Punnett squares, diagrams, or physical models) to explain how asexual reproduction leads to identical genetic information and how sexual reproduction creates genetic variation in offspring.
2. Develop and use mutation models to describe how structural changes to genes may affect proteins and result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral trait effects.
3. Gather and synthesize information from multiple sources about technologies that influence artificial selection and how they change human control over trait inheritance.
4. Evaluate competing trait-focused design solutions (e.g., breeding strategies, seed mixes, conservation release plans) using a systematic process with clear criteria and constraints.
5. Analyze data from tests or simulations to compare how different genetic or design strategies perform, and construct a written or oral argument that uses models and evidence to justify a recommended solution.

Standards Alignment — 7th Grade (NGSS-based custom)

• MS-LS3-1 — Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects.
• MS-LS3-2 — Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in identical genetic information while sexual reproduction leads to variation.
• MS-LS4-5 — Gather and synthesize information about technologies that influence artificial selection and human influence on traits.
• MS-ETS1-2 — Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of a problem.
• MS-ETS1-3 — Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among design solutions and identify which best meets criteria.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can use models to show how asexual and sexual reproduction produce different patterns of inheritance and variation.
• I can explain, with a model, how a mutation might change a protein and lead to a harmful, beneficial, or neutral trait effect.
• I can gather and combine information from more than one source to explain how technologies influence artificial selection.
• I can evaluate design solutions about traits using criteria, constraints, and data instead of just guessing.
• I can write or present a clear argument that uses models and evidence to explain inheritance and justify a trait-focused design choice.