~15-20 40 TO 50 MINUTE CLASS PERIODS
What are the ethical issues involved in using genetic information?
Students explore how organisms get their traits and what causes variation from one organism to another. They also analyze and interpret evidence for how certain traits affect reproduction. Students learn how both genes and the environment can influence traits and apply what is learned to a human genetic condition.
PE Assessment Example:Think back to what you know about Marfan syndrome and fibrillin. Draw a labeled diagram that models the cause-and-effect relationship between the fibrillin gene, fibrillin protein, and traits/ symptoms for a. a person without Marfan syndrome, b. a person with Marfan syndrome.

Reproduction is part of Issues and Science three year middle school program, designed by SEPUP at the Lawrence Hall of Science. This three to four week unit anchors the lessons around the the socio-science issue: What are the ethical issues involved in using genetic information? Investigative phenomena within the 14 activities connect back to the issue and storyline. This unit builds towards and assesses PEs LS1-4, LS1-5, LS3-1, LS3-2. The Student Book guides students in exploring a socio-science issue and connected phemonena through a series of varied activity types. Activity types use one of twelve different instructional strategies to apply Science and Engineering Practices to specific Disciplinary Core Ideas and Cross Cutting Concepts. SEPUP's integrated literacy strategies help students process new science content, develop their analytical skills, make connections between related concepts, and express their knowledge orally and in writing. The built-in assessment system helps teachers identify students' strengths and weaknesses from the beginning of the unit. This allows them to adjust activities when needed so that all students get the best chance to build their knowledge and appreciation of science. At the back of the Student Book there is an Appendix containing additional resources for students, such as science skills, literacy strategies, and media literacy among others.

See lab-aids.com/utah for SEEd standards alignment, recommended unit sequence, individual unit links, and more. Used with a student notebook and equipment. Sample notebook: http://online.flipbuilder.com/rqzd/ppss/mobile/index.html#p=40.