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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Genographic: Permanent markers

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/09/g912/genographic2.html

A lesson plan for grades 9–11 Science and Social Studies

Provider: National Geographic


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In this Xpeditions lesson, students review background information about the basics of DNA and chromosomal structure, and they explore the Genographic Project and the work of lead scientist Dr. Spencer Wells. Activities in this lesson engage students in whole class discussion, collaborative group work, online learning, performance of multi-step tasks.

Students will:

  • discuss how genetic information is passed on;
  • learn about genetic markers and haplogroups;
  • explore the Genographic Project;
  • participate in an activity that simulates how genetic information is passed from generation to generation; and
  • use the Atlas of the Human Journey to track a genetic marker over time.

Xpeditions provides detailed directions for completing the lesson, suggestions for assessment and extension activities, discussion questions, and links to necessary web resources.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Science (2005)

Grade 9–12 — AP Biology

  • Goal 4: The learner will develop an understanding of the basis of heredity and the role of molecular genetics.
    • Objective 4.01: Analyze meiosis and gametogenesis.
      • Analyze heredity.
      • Compare and contrast gametogenesis in plants and animals.
      • Recommended laboratory - Mitosis and Meiosis
    • Objective 4.03: Interpret and use the principal patterns of inheritance.
    • Objective 4.09: Examine past and present research on heredity and molecular genetics.
      • Explore the work of Mendel.
      • Explore the work of Watson and Crick.
  • Goal 5: The learner will develop an understanding of biological evolution.
    • Objective 5.04: Analyze the mechanisms of evolution, their role, results and implications.
      • Identification of patterns and the responsible mechanisms.
      • Analyze heredity and its link to natural selection.
      • Examine speciation.
      • Examine macroevolution.
      • Recommended laboratory - Population Genetics and Evolution
  • Goal 6: The learner will develop an understanding of the unity and diversity of life.
    • Objective 6.01: Analyze evolutionary patterns.
      • Examine DNA analysis.
      • Examine biochemical analysis.
      • Examine morphological research.

Grade 9–12 — Biology

  • Goal 3: The learner will develop an understanding of the continuity of life and the changes of organisms over time.
    • Objective 3.01: Analyze the molecular basis of heredity including:
      • DNA replication.
      • Protein synthesis (transcription, translation).
      • Gene regulation.

Social Studies (2003)

Grade 11–12 — Geography

  • Goal 2: The learner will identify major tourist flows in the world and locate various countries, major cities, natural attractions, and historic sites of tourist importance.
    • Objective 2.02: Identify different types of movement; differentiate between permanent migration and temporary travel patterns, including tourism.