Gnome Genetics Biology Christmas Winter Activity | Dominant Recessive Traits

This is a 2-3 day genetics activity where students learn introductory genetics vocabulary and apply it to Gnome Genetics! This activity is perfect for teaching Genetics in the Winter. With the current popularity in gnomes, students will love creating their own Christmas gnome!

This is an interactive lesson where biology meets mythology in the village of Holiday Hollow! Students will dive into the world of genetics, learning about dominant and recessive traits through a fun, hands-on activity. By flipping the Genetic Spinner Coin, students will predict the traits of gnome babies, and create a unique gnome drawing for the Great Gnome Gathering! You can hang their finished gnomes proudly in your classroom for fun Christmas/Winter décor! Students then apply their knowledge of genetics to solve genetics problems using Punnett Squares for the village elders!

This activity focuses on Mendelian genetics – simple inheritance of complete dominant and recessive traits. The genetics vocabulary defined and used in this activity include the following terms. There is an accompanying handout for students with these terms (defines and relates terms to the gnome story) as well as colorful gnome-themed classroom posters to hang in your classroom for reference:

• Genetics
• Gene
• Allele
• Trait
• Dominant
• Recessive
• Homozygous
• Heterozygous
• Phenotype
• Genotype

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

We included everything needed for this project to run smoothly! Everything is ready to print and use!

1. Teacher Lesson Plan – 4-page lesson with aligned NGSS standards, activity guidelines, daily instructions
2. Gnome Background Story – 1-page backstory about the gnomes and sets the stage for the Gnomes Activity. Provides a story about the gnomes and a mission for the students!
3. Student Activity Handouts – data table for recording, a drawing reference sheet (so students can see the traits of a gnome and the different phenotypes), and a drawing sheet to draw their final gnome!
4. Introduction to Genetics Vocab Handout – goes over introductory vocabulary for genetics and relates the terms to this activity
5. Vocabulary Posters – 10 colorful gnome-themed vocabulary posters to hang in your classroom for visual reference!
6. 6 Punnett Square Practice Problems – application of genetics problems in related to the gnome backstory! Starts with straight-forward turkey crosses and leads into more critical thinking problems.
7. Student Example – filled out data table with example drawing of a gnome!
8. Answer Key – for all of the Punnett square problems

In this project, students will:

• Review important genetics vocabulary and apply it to a Christmas-themed scenario – creating a unique gnome for the 100th Gnome Gathering!
• Understand the basic principles of genetics including dominant and recessive traits, phenotypes and genotypes, and heterozygous and homozygous.
• Predict the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring.
• Determine a gnome’s traits by flipping a coin (or using a coin flip simulator) and then draw all of its determined physical characteristics.
• Apply knowledge of genetics to determine the probability of traits in offspring through completing practice genetics problems using Punnett Squares.

GRADE LEVELS

I created this project for my freshman Biology class. This project could be used in any middle or high school science class grades 6-12 (such as Life Science, Biology, or Human Anatomy & Physiology) in which genetics are part of the curriculum. I would plan on more class time for middle school students and less class time for upper level high school classes, as most high school students can work at a quicker pace.

TIME

This project took my freshman students 3 class periods to complete. This timeline can be easily changed to fit your needs depending on how quickly the students work or if you would like them to take their practice problems home to finish. My recommended 3 day in-class timeline is provided in the Teacher Lesson Plan.

SUPPLIES NEEDED

• One packet per pair of students (provided) – Breakdown of what to include in each student packet is given in the Lesson Plan
• Vocabulary Posters (provided) – printed and laminated to hang in the classroom each year!
• Coins – These could be pennies, pretend gold coins, or any coin that has a different image on each side. If physical coins are not available, a digital option is suggested in the lesson plan.
• Writing Utensils – For students to complete their work on the provided handouts.
• Coloring Supplies – crayons, colored pencils, or markers for students to draw and color their finished gnome!

Still Not Sure? Read more about this project in our article, Gnome Genetics: Bring the holidays into your science classroom this Christmas season!

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Thank you! Happy Teaching, Happy Holidays, and Merry Christmas!!

– Mr and Mrs Rooster

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