1. Inheritance

2. Curriculum for Excellence links: Inheritance
I recognise that we have similarities and differences but are all unique. HWB 0-47a
By comparing generations of families of humans, plants and animals, I can begin to understand how characteristics are inherited. SCN 1-14a
By investigating the lifecycles of plants and animals, I can recognise the different stages of their development. SCN 2-14a
By exploring the characteristics offspring inherit when living things reproduce, I can distinguish between inherited and non inherited characteristics. SCN 2-14b

3. CfE Principles and Practice
Children and young people participating in the experiences and outcomes in the sciences will:
Develop as scientifically literate citizens with a lifelong interest in the sciences.
Demonstrate a secure knowledge and understanding of the big ideas and concepts of the sciences.
Develop a curiosity and understanding of their environment and their place in the living world.
•Develop skills in the accurate use of scientific language.
• Develop skills for learning,
life and work.

4. Genetic information is passed
down from one generation of organisms to another.
Genetic information in a cell is held in the chemical DNA in the form of a four letter code. Genes determine the development and structure of organisms. In asexual reproduction all the genes in the offspring come from one parent. In sexual reproduction half of the genes come from each parent.
Genetic information is passed down from one generation of organisms to another
Genetic information in a cell is held in the chemical DNA in the form of a four letter code. Genes determine the development and structure of organisms. In asexual reproduction all the genes in the offspring come from one parent. In sexual reproduction half of the genes come from each parent.

5. I recognise that we have similarities and differences but are all unique. HWB 0-47a

6. Whose baby are you? A simple matching activity
can be used to introduce
the idea that offspring
often resemble their
parents in some way.
Do the babies look exactly like
their parents?
each other?

7. Looking for similarities and differences
Take a look at the animals on
the laminated sheets.
Together list as many similarities as you can.
Next list as many differences as you can.
What do we call these differences?

8. Variation is all around us; both between species and within the same species.
Let’s look at the variation within our own species next.

9. Here’s looking at you! We are all members of the same species – what similarities and differences can we spot?
Similarities
Differences
Which of these are inherited and are which down to environmental factors?

10. Which Characteristics are inherited?

11. Height standing (cm)
Height sitting (cm)
Outstretched arm span (cm)
Left foot length (cm)
Right foot length (cm)
Head circumference (cm)
Resting pulse rate (beats per min)
Right thumb print
Left thumb print
Can you roll your tongue?
Do you have blue eyes?
Are you right handed?
Do you have a hitchhiker’s thumb?
Is your second toe longer than your “big” toe?
Do you have dimples?
Do you have unattached earlobes?
Do you have a straight hairline (cf widow’s peak)?
Do you have freckles?
Are you male?
Clasp your hands – is your right thumb on top?
Do you have curly hair?

12. Variation within a population
Discrete
Continuous
Tongue rolling,
blood groups.
Genetic control – no other influence.
You either have the trait or you don’t!
Height, weight, hand-span.
Can be influenced by environmental factors.

13. Displaying your results
Discrete variation
Continuous variation

14. Where do our genes come from?
From our parents
Mother
Father
egg from mother
sperm from father
2 copies of DNA in each cell
2 copies of DNA in each cell
nucleus containing
1 copy of father’s DNA
nucleus containing
1 copy of mother’s DNA
DNA from both parents
Child
Cell divides
Fertilised egg
nucleus containing complete set of DNA (set=2 copies, 1 copy from each parent)
Each cell has a complete set of DNA

15. Making Reebops The purpose of this practical work is:
To examine how characteristics are inherited.
To show how sexual reproduction is responsible for tremendous variation within a population.
Investigate the factors that can influence an individual’s characteristics.
By exploring the characteristics offspring inherit when living things reproduce, I can distinguish between inherited and non inherited characteristics. SCN 2-14b

16. Reebops My Reebop Baby The kids! Head: green play-doh
Dad
Mum
My Reebop Baby
tails
Head: green play-doh
Body segments: pink play-doh
Humps: purple play-doh
Antenna: silver pipe cleaners
Noses: red or yellow pipe cleaners
Legs: red or yellow pipe cleaners
Eyes: wiggly eyes
Tails: blue pipe cleaners
Spine: wooden skewer
body segment
antennae
legs
humps
head
eyes
noses

17. Reebops Mum chromosomesA a Q q E e D d M m T t L l

18. Reebops Dad chromosomesQ q E e D d M m T t L l

19. Reebops Baby No. 1 a a Q q E e D d M m T T L l

20. Baby Reebops: Pedigree
Randomly select one gene from each parent for the 7 characteristics. Combine them on the baby Reebop recording sheet.
Fill in the pedigree for your new baby by writing down each of its 7 characteristics (e.g. red nose) on the parcel tag.
Choose a name for your Reebop.
Collect the materials that you will need for your baby and assemble it.

21. Ideas for discussion:
Place your Reebop in the “nursery” along with the other babies
What do you notice about the features of the babies?
How much genetic material does each parent provide?
Where is this genetic material stored in the parent?
Are there any babies that are identical?
How many babies are the same as their parents?

22. A B Let’s work out the ratio of different lambs. In your pairs:
one of you vote for lamb 1
the other vote for lamb 2. A B