New Perspectives in Science Education

The relationships between genotype, phenotype and the role of the environment are often difficult for students to understand. This hands-on workshop will present a project that allows students to use given genotypes to choose traits for the creation of their own pet made entirely from paper. They will then cross their pet with a classmate's pet to produce offspring using Punnett Squares to show the genotypes and then create the offspring showing the phenotypes. Finally, using a deck of cards with various environmental situations simulating natural selection, students determine which of the offspring will be able to go on and breed the next generation. This is a very adaptable project and can be modified easily for the amount of time spent and grade level. Teachers will walk away with everything they need for a fun project that explores difficult concepts that students will enjoy.

Keywords: Genetics, traits,, Punnett Squares, Hands-on, PBL, natural selection