Lesson Plan for Grade 11 - Science - Advanced Biology (genetics, evolution)

### Lesson Plan: Advanced Biology (Genetics and Evolution) - Grade 11 **Duration:** 2 Weeks (5 classes per week, 50 minutes per class) #### **Objectives:** 1. Understand the basics of genetics including DNA structure, gene function, and inheritance patterns. 2. Explore the principles of evolution and natural selection. 3. Analyze the evidence supporting evolutionary theory. 4. Conduct experiments to observe genetic and evolutionary principles in action. #### **Week 1: Genetics** **Day 1: Introduction to Genetics** - **Objective:** Define key genetics terms and concepts (DNA, genes, chromosomes). - **Activities:** - Lecture: Overview of DNA structure and function. - Class Discussion: Differences between DNA, genes, and chromosomes. - Video: "What is DNA?" (5-minute animation). - Homework: Read Chapter 4 from the textbook "Introduction to Genetics". **Day 2: Mendelian Genetics** - **Objective:** Understand Mendel’s laws of inheritance. - **Activities:** - Lecture: Mendelian Genetics and Punnett Squares. - Interactive Activity: Students solve Punnett square problems in pairs. - Class Discussion: Real-life examples of Mendelian genetics. - Homework: Workbook exercises on Mendel’s laws. **Day 3: Non-Mendelian Genetics** - **Objective:** Explore incomplete dominance, co-dominance, and sex-linked traits. - **Activities:** - Lecture: Explanation of Non-Mendelian Genetics. - Case Studies: Analyze genetic traits in different organisms. - Group Work: Create posters illustrating examples of Non-Mendelian traits. - Homework: Research a non-Mendelian genetic trait and summarize findings. **Day 4: Human Genetics** - **Objective:** Examine human genetic disorders and pedigrees. - **Activities:** - Lecture: Common human genetic disorders. - Pedigree Analysis: Practice drawing and interpreting pedigrees of given traits. - Video: “Genetic Disorders: An Overview” (10 minutes). - Homework: Create a pedigree chart based on a hypothetical family. **Day 5: Lab Practical - DNA Extraction** - **Objective:** Perform DNA extraction from plant cells. - **Activities:** - Lab Demonstration: Steps to extract DNA from strawberries. - Hands-On Activity: Students extract DNA independently. - Lab Report: Document observations and results of the DNA extraction. - Review: Discuss the significance of DNA and its applications. #### **Week 2: Evolution** **Day 1: Introduction to Evolution** - **Objective:** Describe the basic principles of evolution and natural selection. - **Activities:** - Lecture: Fundamentals of Evolutionary Theory by Charles Darwin. - Class Discussion: Examples of natural selection in nature. - Video: "Darwin’s Theory of Evolution" (15 minutes). - Homework: Read Chapter 7 from the textbook "Evolution Fundamentals". **Day 2: Mechanisms of Evolution** - **Objective:** Understand mutation, gene flow, genetic drift, and natural selection. - **Activities:** - Lecture: Detailed explanation of the mechanisms driving evolution. - Interactive Simulation: Evolution simulation using online tools. - Group Discussion: Impact of different mechanisms on populations. - Homework: Research an example of genetic drift and prepare a brief presentation. **Day 3: Evidence of Evolution** - **Objective:** Examine the fossil record, comparative anatomy, and molecular biology as evidence. - **Activities:** - Lecture: Evidence supporting the theory of evolution. - Lab Activity: Fossil examination and comparative anatomy exercises. - Video: “The Fossil Record and Evolution” (12 minutes). - Homework: Write a summary on how molecular biology supports evolution. **Day 4: Human Evolution** - **Objective:** Trace the evolutionary history of humans. - **Activities:** - Lecture: Human evolution from early ancestors to Homo sapiens. - Interactive Activity: Constructing a timeline of human evolution. - Case Studies: Analysis of significant fossil finds (e.g., Lucy, Neanderthals). - Homework: Research on a specific human ancestor and prepare a short report. **Day 5: Lab Practical - Natural Selection Simulation** - **Objective:** Simulate natural selection using different colored beans and a predator model. - **Activities:** - Lab Experiment: Set up and conduct a natural selection simulation. - Data Analysis: Collect and analyze data from the experiment. - Lab Report: Write a report discussing the results and implications of the experiment. - Review: Q&A session to clear up any remaining questions on genetics and evolution. **Assessment:** - Daily homework assignments. - Group poster presentation on non-Mendelian genetics. - Lab reports from DNA extraction and natural selection simulation. - A final quiz covering all topics discussed. **Materials Needed:** - Textbook: "Campbell Biology" (or similar). - Videos and animations on genetics and evolution. - Computer access for simulations and research. - Lab equipment: Strawberries, test tubes, ethanol, soap, salt (for DNA extraction), colored beans (for natural selection simulation). - Worksheets and workbook exercises. **Additional Resources:** - Khan Academy videos on genetics and evolution. - Interactive websites like PhET Interactive Simulations. - Articles and journals for extended understanding. By the end of this unit, students should have a comprehensive understanding of genetics and evolution and be able to apply scientific principles to explain how organisms inherit traits and evolve over time.