Description
This project transforms family history into a scientific map, allowing students to visualize how microscopic alleles travel through time from ancestors to offspring.
Activity Description
The Pedigree Project is a logic-based genetics task that teaches students how to track phenotypes through a lineage to determine hidden genotypes. By constructing a 4-generation chart, students act as genetic counselors, identifying patterns of inheritance such as autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked. Whether students use a real family trait like "widow's peak" or a fictional "superpower" lineage, they must apply the rules of probability to ensure their shaded symbols correctly reflect the biological laws of inheritance.
� � Pedigree Project: Tracing Traits Through Generations � � Goal: Show how a trait or genetic disorder can be passed through generations using a pedigree chart. � � Background: A pedigree is a type of family tree that shows how traits are inherited. Each person in a pedigree is represented by a symbol: ● ☐ = Male ⚪ = Female ● ⬛ / ⚫ = Has the trait (affected) ● ◪ = Carrier (has one copy of the allele but does not show it) This project will help you practice reading and building a pedigree to show how a trait is passed down. � � Project Directions You may work individually or in a small group (2–3 students). 1⃣ Choose a Trait or Disorder Select a real genetic trait or disorder (example: color blindness, cystic fibrosis, dimples, or tongue rolling). 2⃣ Create a Pedigree Chart Draw or digitally create a 4-generation pedigree showing how your chosen trait is passed down through the family. ● Use the correct symbols (circle/square, shaded/unshaded, half-shaded for carriers). ● Include clear labels for each generation (I, II, III, IV). ● Be creative — your “family” can be real or fictional! 3⃣ Add Details On the back or next to your chart, include: ● Trait/Disorder name ● Whether it is dominant or recessive ● 2–3 sentences describing what the trait/disorder is and how it’s inherited 4⃣ Title and Presentation ● Add a title at the top (e.g., “Color Blindness in the Smith Family”). ● Make it neat, colorful, and easy to read. � � What to Include ✅ Title of pedigree ✅ Labels for all 4 generations ✅ Correct pedigree symbols ✅ Explanation of inheritance (dominant/recessive) ✅ Short description of trait/disorder ✅ Neatness and creativity � � Simple Grading Rubric (20 Points Total) Category Accuracy Trait Information Completeness Description Uses correct pedigree symbols and 4 generations Explains what the trait/disorder is and how it’s inherited All parts included (title, labels, symbols, description) Neatness & Effort Work is clear, organized, and colorful Total: Points 5 5 5 5 /20 � � Extra Credit Idea Add color-coding or small icons to make affected vs. unaffected vs. carrier individuals easier to identify.
Highlights
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Description
This project transforms family history into a scientific map, allowing students to visualize how microscopic alleles travel through time from ancestors to offspring.
Activity Description
The Pedigree Project is a logic-based genetics task that teaches students how to track phenotypes through a lineage to determine hidden genotypes. By constructing a 4-generation chart, students act as genetic counselors, identifying patterns of inheritance such as autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked. Whether students use a real family trait like "widow's peak" or a fictional "superpower" lineage, they must apply the rules of probability to ensure their shaded symbols correctly reflect the biological laws of inheritance.
� � Pedigree Project: Tracing Traits Through Generations � � Goal: Show how a trait or genetic disorder can be passed through generations using a pedigree chart. � � Background: A pedigree is a type of family tree that shows how traits are inherited. Each person in a pedigree is represented by a symbol: ● ☐ = Male ⚪ = Female ● ⬛ / ⚫ = Has the trait (affected) ● ◪ = Carrier (has one copy of the allele but does not show it) This project will help you practice reading and building a pedigree to show how a trait is passed down. � � Project Directions You may work individually or in a small group (2–3 students). 1⃣ Choose a Trait or Disorder Select a real genetic trait or disorder (example: color blindness, cystic fibrosis, dimples, or tongue rolling). 2⃣ Create a Pedigree Chart Draw or digitally create a 4-generation pedigree showing how your chosen trait is passed down through the family. ● Use the correct symbols (circle/square, shaded/unshaded, half-shaded for carriers). ● Include clear labels for each generation (I, II, III, IV). ● Be creative — your “family” can be real or fictional! 3⃣ Add Details On the back or next to your chart, include: ● Trait/Disorder name ● Whether it is dominant or recessive ● 2–3 sentences describing what the trait/disorder is and how it’s inherited 4⃣ Title and Presentation ● Add a title at the top (e.g., “Color Blindness in the Smith Family”). ● Make it neat, colorful, and easy to read. � � What to Include ✅ Title of pedigree ✅ Labels for all 4 generations ✅ Correct pedigree symbols ✅ Explanation of inheritance (dominant/recessive) ✅ Short description of trait/disorder ✅ Neatness and creativity � � Simple Grading Rubric (20 Points Total) Category Accuracy Trait Information Completeness Description Uses correct pedigree symbols and 4 generations Explains what the trait/disorder is and how it’s inherited All parts included (title, labels, symbols, description) Neatness & Effort Work is clear, organized, and colorful Total: Points 5 5 5 5 /20 � � Extra Credit Idea Add color-coding or small icons to make affected vs. unaffected vs. carrier individuals easier to identify.
