Genetics

Genetics is one of my favorite topics. As a relatively new teacher, I realized early on that you need to start with the basics which means learning the vocabulary.

If students don't know basic vocabulary terms then they will not be able to complete more complicated genetic problems later on. I like having my students complete a genetics vocabulary foldable in their science interactive notebooks to refer back too constantly.

Foldables are amazing because if each student has them in their notebook, they can take turns quizzing each other. Then they can go home and practice independently. Once students have mastered the basic genetic terms, then it's time to have them start practicing how Punnett squares work.

Once your students know how to properly distribute both parents' alleles to their potential offspring then you can start incorporating genetic vocabulary terms into the problems (for example, what if the mother is homozygous recessive...).

In the monster worksheet above, I actually give students the genotype but I also have a different version where I just tell students if the parents are homozygous or heterozygous for various traits. I like having different versions of the same worksheet to provide differentiation depending on my students' individual needs.

Lastly, throw in a fun lab where students can actually see how dominant and recessive genes work to create the various phenotypes we see! For example, have your students create a monster.

Cellular Respiration - Jump into the Mitochondrion Foldable

My high school students always struggle with learning the process of cellular respiration. They often forget that it happens in the mitochondrion or that it is sugar being broken down to create ATP. So I use this foldable to help students practice independently or with a partner, the steps of cellular respiration in the mitochondrion. I usually will walk around the classroom while students are practicing and listen/quiz them as they review.

Physiology - Human Body Systems Foldables

The human body is so amazing! These pictures are two physiology foldables I use in my classroom. I love using these foldables because students can visually see what makes up each system, and takes notes. Then students can practice for upcoming tests. There are two versions so I can differentiate depending on my students' skill levels or class.

DNA - science interactive notebook

I love science interactive notebooks! There is a lot of cutting and gluing involved but the benefits outweigh the negatives. Interactive notebooks are a great way to keep all of students work in one place and is a resource that students can refer back too. The pictures you see here come from my DNA interactive notebook.

Reviewing for Upcoming Cytology Benchmark

My classroom right before we review photosynthesis and cellular respiration for upcoming cytology benchmark. How do you review? I love using manipulative cut-outs, foldables, flashcards, and more. Students always work in pairs and quiz each other. I tend to walk around, listen to their conversations, and quiz them as I see fit.

There are three types of activities here in my pictures.
Photosynthesis -
(1) Chloroplast Cut Out and Paste Activity
(2) Photosynthesis Foldable in the Chloroplast
Cellular Respiration
(3) Cellular Respiration Cut Out Activity