Google Sheets

Link to sample google sheet

Introduction
Google sheets is google's alternative to excel. It works particularly well for group assignments activities, as multiple can edit the sheet at one time. This will engage students as there is less need to for the traditional need to go and enter things on the teacher's computer or on the class whiteboard.

Instructions
Google spreadsheets can be easily acsessed and used if the user has a google account. The creator of the sheet simply needs to upload a link to the class online learning system (such as edmodo) and students can enter their own data. The blank google sheet looks like this:

The following activity is called "Genetic Roulette" and it starts students thinking about genes and heredity in stage 5. By entering their own traits and comparing that to the rest of their class, they are engaged in the task and will hopefully be able to relay this activity to the information they learn later on in the topic.

First, ask students to answer questions about traits they have. I have listed some example question below:

1. Can you roll your tongue?
2. When you fold your hands, does your right thumb or left thumb end up on top?
3. Do you have a cleft in your chin ?
4. Do you have free or attached earlobes ?
5. Is your second toe longer than your first ?
6. Do you have mid-digital hair on your fingers ?
7. Do you have a widow's peak?
8. Do you have thin, flat nails or curved nails?
9. What is your height measured in centimetres?
10. What is the length of your little finger on your right hand in millimetres?

Then, get student to enter their information on the class google spreadsheet (link above), a screenshot of which is shown below:

 Lastly, compare class results and get the students analysing the traits with question such as the following:

1. Identify which traits are continuous and discrete

2. Explain which traits are likely due to one gene or many genes working together

3. List five types of variation you see in humans

4. After examining the class data, draw a histogram to represent the range of heights in your class. Determine appropriate class intervals before constructing your graph.

Outcomes Covered

LW3 b. identify that during reproduction the transmission of heritable characteristics from one

generation to the next involves DNA and genes (ACSSU184)

c. identify that genetic information is transferred as genes in the DNA of chromosomes

WS5.1 Students identify data to be collected for an investigation by:
b. explaining why certain types of information need to be collected in a range of investigation types
c. selecting possible sources of data, including secondary sources, relevant to the investigation
d. justifying why variables need to be kept constant if reliable first-hand data is to be collected in controlled experiments

SC5-6WS undertakes first-hand investigations to collect valid and reliable data and information, individually and collaboratively

WS6 Students conduct investigations by:
b. safely constructing, assembling and manipulating identified equipment
d. using appropriate units for measuring physical quantities
e. reporting data and information, evidence and findings, with accuracy and honesty
f. evaluating the effectiveness of the planned procedure, considering risk factors and ethical issues, and suggesting improvements as appropriate

SC5-7WS processes, analyses and evaluates data from first-hand investigations and secondary sources to develop evidence-based arguments and conclusions

WS7.1 Students process data and information by:
a. selecting and using a variety of methods to organise data and information including diagrams, tables, models, spreadsheets and databases
d. applying numerical procedures and mathematical concepts and using digital technologies, where appropriate
f. describing specific ways to improve the quality of the data

WS7.2 Students analyse data and information by:
a. analysing patterns and trends, including identifying inconsistencies in data and information (ACSIS169, ACSIS203)
b. describing relationships between variables
c. assessing the validity and reliability of first-hand data