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

Createrly

Link to homepage

Introduction
Createrly is an app which allows the user to create mindmaps, flowcharts and other diagrams with which to present information. It is free to sign up with and allows users to use a preexisting template for their ideas or create a new one. This shows great potential for student engagement as it's a good alternative to the traditional mind map on a whiteboard or piece of paper idea. This means that the mind map can be saved (which it couldn't be on a whiteboard) and sent around the class (which it couldn't on a piece of paper), enabling students to go back and look at it again.

Instructions
Createrly is very easy to use, and doesn't require registration if you don't wish to save your work. Simply click on the link above and then on the "try createrly now" button on the homepage. Next, a user can select a template they wish to use or if they wish to begin with a blank page. Here, I clicked on the Mind Map templates section and selected my preferred design.

As a class activity, createrly would be a great tool to use at the start of a unit as part of a class discussion. Students could offer things they already know about a topic. This could be really useful with a topic such as genetics in stage 5. Students may have heard about genetic diseases or heritable traits and use these as a basis for a discussion to start the unit off.

Outcomes Covered
Stage 5
SC5-15LW explains how biological understanding has advanced through scientific discoveries, technological developments and the needs of society
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 

LW4 c. explain, using examples, how natural selection relates to changes in a population, eg in the development of resistance of bacteria to antibiotics and insects to pesticides
LW4 d. outline the roles of genes and environmental factors in the survival of organisms in a population

Gene Screen

Download Here

About
Gene Screen is an app which allows you to learn about genes, inheritance, mutations, dominance and genetic diseases.

This app is ideal for engagement as it allows students to investigate the genetic traits of their choice, or come up with a new trait if they can't find anything of interest. It has a focus on the frequency of various genetic diseases in the Jewish community, this allows for engagement of students from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, as well as educating the class on the distribution of traits within a particular population as compared with a species as a whole. Furthermore, the "Map of Genetic Diseases" tab allows students to investigate where a disease is more commonly found, as well as closer information on the disease in general.


Instructions
First read all the "Learn About Genetics" tabs, so you have a good base knowledge of inheritance, population genetics, genetic diseases and genetic screening for diseases.






























Then, experiment with the way genetic traits can be passed down from generation to generation using the "Genetic Traits" tab. Choose three different combinations of parents genotype, mate them together and then copy your findings into your exercise book.



























Next, click on the "Map of Genetic Diseases" tab and pick a disease under the "by disease" tab. Once you've selected your disease, click the "Learn more about this disease" button and look at the genetic basis for the disease's inheritance.

- What are the symptoms of the disease?
- Is the gene dominant, recessive or something else?
- What work is being done to treat the disease?























Outcomes Covered

LW3 Advances in scientific understanding often rely on developments in technology, and technological advances are often linked to scientific discoveries. (ACSHE158, ACSHE192)

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
d. outline how the Watson-Crick model of DNA explains:
– changes in genes (mutation)

WS7.1 Students process data and information by:

b. selecting and extracting information from tables, flow diagrams, other texts, audiovisual

resources and graphs, including histograms and column, sector or line graphs

c. accessing data and information by using a range of appropriate digital technologies

WS8 Students solve problems by:

a. describing strategies to develop a range of possible solutions to an identified problem

e. using models to explain phenomena and make predictions