| | | | New Plants From Old - Lesson 1 of 3 | |
| | | | This is the first in a cluster of three lessons that explore the creation of a new breed of plant. In this lesson students will learn about the basics of genetics and plant breeding while gaining an understanding of the rationale behind this scientific practice. | |
| | | | Genetics, Plant breeding, Gregor Mendel, Biology, Botany | |
| | | | | | Botany and Genetics, Technology | |
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| | | At the end of this lesson, students will be able to: - explain in simple terms what genes are and how they may determine the characteristics of a living thing;
- conduct research on a scientist and his or her experiments;
- demonstrate a basic understanding of plant breeding.
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| | | - library resources
- printouts of background information if possible (see resources)
- worksheet (Attachment 1)
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| | | - Teacher introduces the topic of genetics and plant breeding, briefly explaining the following:
- How do plant species vary from generation to generation?
- How do scientists “create” a juicier tomato or larger grape?
- Overview of Gregor Mendel - 19th Century Austrian monk who experimented with pea plants to see if he could produce different plant varieties by mixing plants with different characteristics. Plant height and flower colour were two of the seven areas in which he experimented.
- Teacher distributes the Genetics Worksheet (Attachment 1).
- Students use available library and/or Internet resources to complete the Genetics Worksheet.
- Additional class time or an extra lesson may be required to complete this activity.
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| | | - Students write a research paper on the life and work of Gregor Mendel.
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| | | | Genetics worksheet | /25 | | New plant worksheet | /25 | | New plant diagram | /25 | | Presentation | /25 | | TOTAL | /100 | Note: This assessment relates to the cluster of 3 lessons on new plants from old. | |
| | | | Attachment 1: Genetics Worksheet | |
| | | | Michael Gallagher Dip Teach BEd | |
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