Living Earth · Week 21 · Inheritance and Variation
Sources of Variation
Arguing whether meiosis, replication errors, or environmentally caused mutations best explain inherited variation, and pausing on strong feelings before choosing a claim.
- Students will
- Students argue whether meiosis, replication errors, or mutations caused by the environment best explain an inherited variation, using evidence.
- SEL skill
- Pause on a strong feeling before choosing a claim
- What it looks like
- Students use emotions to think by pausing on strong feelings before choosing a claim.
- Content focus
- Where variation comes from
- Format
- Collaborative analysis
Responsible decision-making
Responsible decision-making is thinking through consequences and values so your choices are caring and constructive. More responsible decision-making activities
What you get
A teacher guide with what to say, step by step, plus student pages and a supports page for students with diverse learning needs, including those with IEPs. Print or Project it, or assign it in Google Forms and Google Docs for Google Classroom. Your first 10 activities are free.
Standards
- HS-LS3-2: High School Life Science performance expectation
- Science and engineering practice: SEP7 Engaging in argument from evidence
- Crosscutting concept: CCC2 Cause and effect
- Literacy in science: WHST.9-10.1 Write arguments focused on discipline specific content.
- Traditional course: Biology
Fits these textbook chapters
- California HMH Science Dimensions: The Living Earth, Unit 5: Mechanisms of Inheritance
- California HMH Science Dimensions: The Living Earth, Unit 6: Genetic Variation and Evolution
Textbook names are used only to help you find activities that fit what you teach. RoseThread Connect is not affiliated with these publishers.
More responsible decision-making activities for Living Earth
- Counting Life Fairly Responsible decision-makingStudents compare biodiversity counts from two sampling methods and practice noticing when excitement or doubt shapes a conclusion.
- Energy Pyramids and Waste Responsible decision-makingCalculating energy loss up a food pyramid and weighing food choices with care rather than guilt.
- Natural Selection by the Numbers Responsible decision-makingAnalyzing trait frequency data across generations and separating evidence from assumption when making decisions.
- Genetics and Ethics Responsible decision-makingEvaluating news claims about gene editing and discussing who should decide how the technology is used.
Previous: Traits and Family Stories · Next: Probability of Traits
RoseThread Connect activities are drafted with the help of AI and shaped by educators. Students never have to share anything personal. Our five SEL skills are informed by CASEL's SEL Framework; RoseThread Learning is not affiliated with or endorsed by CASEL.