This lesson is for : Grade 7:
Summary
In this lesson students will be using their knowledge about genetics to create a new, unique superhero! Students will get to choose a mother and father superhero they think would contribute the best genetics traits in the creation a new baby superhero! They will then create a virtual “baby book” for their superhero that illustrates the genetics characteristics of the baby as determined by using Punnett Squares. The students will also use Punnett Squares to determine the superpowers of the new offspring. Students will create a visual representation of their superhero and are encouraged to come up with the most unique character, story and web presentation for their new addition to the superhero universe.
TIPC Ratings
Research & Information Fluency
Rating: Approaching – Explanation: This lesson is in the approaching stage for research and information fluency because the students are synthesizing information to create the authentic task of their own superhero baby. The students are also applying their knowledge about genetics to the information researched about superheroes.
Communication & Collaboration
Rating: Developing – Explanation: This lesson is in the developing category for communication and collaboration. This was not a main focus of the lesson, but students still shared and communicated their work through using digital tools.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: This lesson meets the ideal/target category for critical thinking and problem solving. Students used critical thinking skills to analyzing the superhero parents in order to complete the authentic task of developing a new superhero species. Students also used this project as a way to connect the real world concept of genetics to the fictional world of superheroes. Furthermore, the students then had to justify how the powers of this superhero would be beneficial or detrimental to society (will their superhero use the powers for good or evil). Following the completion of the superhero, students completed a Google form reflecting on how probability affected their project and how they can better adapt to the unknown in future problem solving projects.
Creativity & Innovation
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: This lesson falls into the target/ideal category for creativity and innovation. Students were synthesizing information learned about genetics and applying it to the creation of their own superhero offspring. Furthermore, the students justified how the powers genetically assigned to their offspring would be used in the real world, which goes beyond the parameters of the assignment. Lastly, students reflected on the project and how they could improve in the future.
Lesson Materials
