The thematic unit, From
Generation to Generation, was designed specifically for sixth
grade general, bilingual, and special education students. Students
will be presented with a set of integrated lessons that revolve
around these essential questions: What effect does the environment
have on the genetic make-up of homosapiens? How are the genes of
our previous generations apparent today? What
was Gregor Mendel’s contribution to the study of genetics? What
roles do DNA, genes, and chromosomes play in the study of
heredity? What are the debatable issues surrounding genetics that
our society faces today? The link between these questions and the
museums is through the study of different cultures and their
practices; the effects of the environment on genetics; the
contributions of Gregor Mendel’s genetic studies; the effects of
mapping human and plant genomes; the effects of mutations and
inherited diseases; the results of current genetic technology; the
development of new careers in the genetic field; and the roles
that scientific and technological discoveries have played in our
changing society.
The focus of the unit demonstrates how scientific discoveries have
led to a deeper understanding of the functions of living things
and the possibilities that arise to cause genetic changes.
Students will use the information from activities and research in
the classroom, their experience with the Mexicanidad exhibit
located in the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum as well as a trip
to the Museum of Science and Industry’s new exhibit, Genetics:
Decoding Life, to develop an understanding of how new scientific
and technological discoveries can help or hinder mankind. Students
will have an opportunity to visit the Museum of Science and
Industry’s Farm exhibit to help them make the connections between
the previous theme, A Legacy Through Time, and From Generation to
Generation. As a culminating activity, students will research and
debate ethical issues raised by technological advances.
The discussion of genetics and heredity may be a sensitive issue
for many families. Allow students the choice of using their own
families as examples, or a family of their choice, when
diagramming family trees or investigating how traits are
inherited.
From Generation to Generation Lessons within this unit have been
designed to be completed during one to four class periods (45
minutes per day). The approximate length of the entire unit is
five weeks; however, teacher
judgment should be the final determination.
