The kids are becoming more comfortable solving Punnett squares and have become successful at predicting probability of offspring based on parent phenotypes. (Don't understand those terms - ask your child! I'm confident he/she can explain it to you.)
We did a class survey last week (with analysis and conclusions due on 2/23) to practice the scientific method, to identify traits that are controlled by dominant and recessive alleles, and to determine that experimental sample size is indeed important.
This week we will continue our practice of using Punnett Squares, adding incomplete dominance traits. There will be an open notebook assessment on Wednesday. Although each student will work alone to solve a set of Punnett Square problems, he/she will have access to his/her notes during the assessment. As long as your child is comfortable with what we've been doing in class, he/she should do fine as long as steps are followed and details are remembered! (All steps/details should be in OneNote practice files!)
We will begin a quick tour through genetic mutations later in the week as we talk about how DNA works with RNA to make proteins.
Our test over this unit will be at the end of next week (at the earliest).
Don't forget about the extra credit opportunity that was posted last week. I haven't had many ask me to borrow magazines, so I hope that means that many of you have Popular Science issues at home!
