Blog Post Week 8

                                                       What Did You Learn This Week?

This week, we reviewed the babies we had created last week. We learned that the dominant gene is 75%, and the chance of receiving the recessive gene is 25%. Also, we learned that dark skin color is associated with the dominant gene, which the child gets directly from the parents. This is the Genotype, or the combination of alleles they possess for a specific gene. It directly affects the phenotype, which, in this case, is skin color. 

                How can you apply what you've learned to your teaching in the future?

I can apply what I learned to my future classroom by having my students conduct the simulation we did. The simulation involves how DNA codes for a protein. In the simulation, students can visually see how codons, DNA or RNA sequence of three nucleotides, can encode a particular amino acid, but sometimes mutations happen. This simulation follows NGSS because students are constructing a model and developing their own knowledge based on real-world phenomena. Below is an example of the simulation.


Are you able to relate what you learned to what you already knew?
I can relate what I learned to biology class. In class, we drew Dominant and recessive trait boxes to find out the genes of something. I also knew some mutations caused different genetic traits or chromosome structure, but I did not know the many ways a mutation could occur. I also knew about evolution, but I learned that mutations cause evolution because of natural selection

Comments

  1. Macy BlumMarch 12, 2025 at 10:10 AM

    Hi Kylie! Great post! You did a great job explaining the connection between genotype and phenotype, especially in relation to dominant and recessive genes. It’s fascinating how genetic traits, like skin color, are passed down and how probabilities play a role in inheritance.

    Your approach to applying this knowledge in the classroom through simulations is a great idea. Hands-on activities like this help students visualize abstract concepts, making learning more engaging and meaningful. Plus, connecting it to NGSS ensures that students are not just memorizing facts but actively constructing their own understanding.

    Your connection to past biology classes makes a lot of sense. Punnett squares are a great foundational tool for understanding inheritance, and it’s awesome that you’re expanding on that knowledge by exploring how mutations contribute to evolution. It sounds like you're making strong connections between genetics, natural selection, and real-world applications—great job!

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  2. Reilly RMarch 12, 2025 at 11:04 AM

    Hi Kylie!! I really enjoyed reading your blog this week! I like how you said you can use the simulation in your future classroom because I would also include it in my future classroom. I also like how you added how the simulation follows the NGSS and I also learned this week about genotypes and phenotypes!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Olivia Katic's Science BlogMarch 12, 2025 at 6:58 PM

    Hi Kylie,

    I think your blog this week is great! I really like how you connected this week's lesson to what you already knew from biology class. Your explanation of dominant and recessive traits is clear, and the simulation sounds like a great hands-on way to help students understand DNA coding and mutations. It’s also interesting how you tied mutations to evolution and natural selection, this makes the concept even more meaningful in a real-world context!

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