A “Corny” Experience With Mendel’s Law of Heredity
In this workshop, students will learn about Mendel's Laws, which explain how physical traits are passed down through genes, and use these laws to determine the traits of an ear of corn's unknown "parents." Students will then learn about geneticist Reginald Punnett's tool, called the "Punnett Square," to predict offspring genotypes and phenotypes from several crosses of corn. Students will also apply what they've learned to study their own inherited traits.
Program Cost
$225
Contact Information
For more information about this program, contact:
Menzel Smith-Jones
Brookhaven National
Laboratory
Bldg.400C – P.O. Box
5000
Upton, NY
11973-5000
631-344-4495 (phone)
631-344-7098 (fax)
slc@bnl.gov
Lesson Objectives
The students will utilize Punnett Squares to understand the basics of Mendelian genetics; calculate the ratio for possible genotypic and phenotypic outcomes of corn; and complete experimental crosses utilizing foam people as the experimental organisms.
Vocabulary
allele, homozygous, heterozygous, phenotype, genotype, dominant, recessive
Audience for This Program
Grades 6th, 7th, and 8th