Arizona Science Teachers Association: 5th Grade DD – Life Science Plant & Animal Genetics

This two-part 5th grade genetics unit, fully aligned with Arizona Science Standards and designed to support three-dimensional science instruction, explores how traits are inherited and influenced by the environment in both animals and plants.

In Sequence 1, students investigate animal genetics by examining patterns between parents and offspring, including hands-on trait-sorting stations, trait graphing activities, and a simulation using beads to model trait inheritance from grandparents to parents to offspring.

In Sequence 2, the focus shifts to plant genetics, where students explore inherited traits and environmental influences using real-world examples like cacti and hydrangeas. Engaging activities include a flower creation simulation using coin flips to model genetic variation, a pollination relay where students act as bees transferring pollen, and a tree ring analysis to explore how environmental factors impact plant traits.

Both sequences promote deep understanding through inquiry, modeling, and class discussions that help students connect observations to core scientific concepts.

Cost:  $35 member; $50 non member