Last updated: April 16, 2022
Lesson Plan
Genetics and Adaptations: Understanding Inherited Traits and Survival
- Grade Level:
- Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
- Subject:
- Science
- Lesson Duration:
- 60 Minutes
- State Standards:
- Utah SEEd 7th Grade
Strand 7.4 Reproduction &
Inheritance
Standard 7.4.1 Develop and use a model to explain the effects that different types of reproduction have on genetic variation. Emphasize genetic variation through asexual and sexual reproduction - Additional Standards:
- NGSS Middle School
Strand MS-LS3 Heredity
Standard MS-LS3-2 Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation.
Essential Question
How do plants living in Zion National Park use their inherited traits to adapt to their environment?
Objective
Students will learn how different plants living in Zion National Park us their inheritable traits to adapt to their environment.
Background
This guide contains background information about genetics, and directions for three activities that will help students better understand how inheritable traits help plants and animals survive in Zion National Park. The activities are most beneficial to students when completed in order. This guide is specifically designed for seventh grade classrooms, but the activities can be modified for students at other levels.
Preparation
- Download and review Genetics and Adaptations Activity Guide
- Download and print activity materials
- Gather beans, containers, paper, and art supplies as necessary
Materials
Download Adaptation Art Activity
Download Crossing Cacti Activity
Lesson Hook/Preview
The basics of genetics and heredity allow certain plants and animals to become specially adapted, depending on which traits help them best survive in their habitat. In Zion National Park, a diverse array of plants and animals inhabit the varying environments in the park. The variety of environments, from the river and springs, to dry grasslands, to steep cliffs, is a result of the wide range of elevations in the park and the fact that Zion is located on the edge of three major ecoregions: the Mojave Desert, the Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin. While some organisms, such as mountain lions, can survive in all of Zion’s habitats, others like cacti, frogs, and pinyon pine trees, thrive in only one or two of Zion’s environments.
Procedure
Follow suggested procedures within the activity guide.