Creature Feature: A Genes and Molecular Machines Lesson

Ages: 11-13
Standards alignment: MS-LS3-1, MS-LS3-2
Teaching time: 1 hour 

In this genetics activity, students will create their own creature from genetic traits that are determined by chance for physical characteristics such as fur length, eye color, horn and wing shapes, teeth, and height. Students will discover the difference between genotype and phenotype and dominant and recessive alleles for each trait, and then predict inheritance in an offspring of two parents. In addition to data collection, students use interpersonal skills needed in STEM2D careers such as presenting ideas, organizing, and working as a collaborative team. This activity is adapted from the STCMS™ curriculum unit Genes and Molecular Machines by the Smithsonian Science Education Center.