Lesson 01 – Real Cats Wear Pink: Lab Activity
Students simulate the genetic modification of an organism to produce a desired trait. Students are then introduced to the unit through reading about genetically engineered cats.
Biotechnology
Lesson 01 – Real Cats Wear Pink: Lab Activity
Lesson 02 – Cats and You: DNA Doubles?
Lesson 02 – Cats and You: DNA Doubles?
Students compare and contrast humans and cats using structure and function and adaptations and then explore similarities and differences in their DNA and number of chromosomes.
Lesson 03 – Diagnosing Sparky
Lesson 03 – Diagnosing Sparky
Using observations and inferences as clues, students will decipher common cat diseases and disorders and hypothesize possible illnesses that Sparky may have.
Lesson 04 – Analyzing Sparky’s Blood Test
Lesson 04 – Analyzing Sparky’s Blood Test
Students use the results of a complete blood count (CBC) test to diagnose Sparky.
Lesson 05 – Urine Jeopardy
Lesson 05 – Urine Jeopardy
Students practice recording accurate data and analyzing results while performing a urine test for Sparky.
Lesson 06 – ACNE (Another Cat Needs Exfoliation): Lab Activity
Lesson 06 – ACNE (Another Cat Needs Exfoliation): Lab Activity
Students learn about feline acne and explore possible treatments. To draw conclusions about the best solution, students must administer and analyze the results of a ‘pregnancy test’ for Sparky.
Lesson 07 – Mapping the Males
Lesson 07 – Mapping the Males
Students hypothesize who the father of Sparky’s kittens may be using biological information while discovering the role of gel electrophoresis in DNA testing.
Lesson 08 – Gelin’: Gel Electrophoresis Simulation: Lab Activity
Lesson 08 – Gelin’: Gel Electrophoresis Simulation: Lab Activity
Student will learn how DNA is separated into a fingerprint by using a chromatography activity to simulate gel electrophoresis.
Lesson 09 – Who’s Your Daddy? Finding the Father
Lesson 09 – Who’s Your Daddy? Finding the Father
The class will analyze DNA fingerprints to determine the identity of the kittens’ father.
Lesson 10 – Lucky Brand Genes: Genetic Traits
Lesson 10 – Lucky Brand Genes: Genetic Traits
Students gain knowledge of genetic terms (trait, allele, genotype, phenotype, homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, recessive) and determine several personal single-gene traits in this optional lesson.
Lesson 11 – Punnett Square Possibilities
Lesson 11 – Punnett Square Possibilities
Students will use parent genotypes to determine the kittens’ phenotypes.
Lesson 12 – Lucky Brand Genes: Chromosome Cookies
Lesson 12 – Lucky Brand Genes: Chromosome Cookies
Students build a scientific model of their kittens’ chromosomes using cookie ingredients to show the pairing of chromosomes and common mutations (deletion, duplication, insertion, translocation).
Lesson 13 – Kitten Creation
Lesson 13 – Kitten Creation
Students use dominant and recessive traits to determine the physical traits of their kittens and build a model of the kitten.
Lesson 14 – Adaptation Sensation
Lesson 14 – Adaptation Sensation
Students discover how and why organisms adapt through natural selection by exploring cat adaptations.
Lesson 15 – Crossing Hairs
Lesson 15 – Crossing Hairs
Students will consider desired traits for cats and determine how a breeder might combine different breeds to achieve those traits.
Lesson 16 – Great Expectations Through Modifications
Lesson 16 – Great Expectations Through Modifications
Students learn the process of genetic modification with the use of recombinant DNA technology to produce insulin.
Lesson 17 – What is Biotechnology
Lesson 17 – What is Biotechnology
Students are introduced to biotechnology using a timeline.
Lesson 18 – Medical Ethics
Lesson 18 – Medical Ethics
Students will consider ethical issues related to biotechnology and medicine and use data to support their opinions.
