Dominant vs. Recessive Traits

Dominant vs. Recessive Traits

As Mendel discovered in his pea plant experiments, some human traits are controlled by dominant and recessive genes. Parents pass the genes that control these traits to their offspring. Which inherited traits do you have?
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Eat a Water Molecule

Eat a Water Molecule

From Chemical Reactions!

We now know what the formula for water looks like. What does an actual molecule of water look like? How can we see something that small? Powerful X-ray machinery allows scientists to predict how the atoms in a molecule look. Let’s build a model so we can see, too.

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Chemical or Physical?

Chemical or Physical?

From The Chemistry of Food

In the kitchen, chefs combine and alter food ingredients to create a finished dish. Some of these changes are physical—the food changes form, shape, and size, but the molecules that make up the food do not change. Other changes in food are chemical. When food undergoes a chemical reaction, a new substance is created. During a chemical change, bonds between molecules are created or destroyed. In this activity, you will classify different changes food undergoes...

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Build the Eiffel Tower

Build the Eiffel Tower

From The Science and Technology of Marie Curie

Built in 1889 for the World Exposition, the Eiffel Tower honored the French Revolution. It also showcased national engineering and design expertise to an audience of global visitors. Originally intended as a temporary monument, it remains one of the world’s most visited landmarks. The structure of the tower itself is actually quite simple! To understand how its rivets and beams join, build a model of your own.

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Make Your Own Mentos Explosion

Make Your Own Mentos Explosion

From Kitchen Chemistry

Chemical reaction or display of physical force? Try this experiment with candy and soda and see what happens.

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Reviews

Dig Magazine
“Fascinating information, all offered in an approachable easy-to-understand manner, with fact boxes, suggestions for activities, descriptive explanations, and guides to further inquiry. Have fun and learn at the same time!”

School Library Journal
"This exploration of genetics uses the question "How are traits inherited from one generation to the next?" as a jumping-off point. Each chapter explains key discoveries and advances that have led to our current understanding of genetics, starting with Gregor Mendel. A variety of topics are covered: the discovery of DNA, the role of genes and chromosomes, the process of mitosis and meiosis, and the importance of RNA. The book also examines genetic mutations and scientific advances in the field, such as DNA fingerprinting, genetically modified organisms, and cloning. Written in a conversational style, this text renders complex content comprehensible. . . . A solid STEM resource recommended for general interest as well as supplemental curricular use."

National Science Teacher Association Recommends
". . .Where was this book when I was studying genetics? The concepts are written in an easy to understand format. Simply by reading the timeline and history of genetics timeline, the reader is able to see the importance of this field of study and the advances that scientists have made . . .This book begins each chapter with a question and develops the answer by working through experiments for the reader. Small black and white cartoons add to the text that present short commentary on the concept in an easy to understand way ...The book is written to the reader and I would use this book for a supplement if required to use a textbook. If I was not required to use a textbook, I would use this book for secondary classes. This book would be good to use with students that struggle with reading and content . . ."

Booklist
"What do dimples, a widow's peak, and a cleft chin all have in common? Genetics! Beginning with a time line and an introduction to the study of heredity, this entry in the Inquire and Investigate series explains genetics in eight chapters that build upon one another . . . Each chapter concludes with easy-to-follow inquiry-based activities and experiments that emphasize the scientific method and help students understand the topic. Numerous cartoons, facts, and QR codes that link to videos add further interest . . . A solid resource that shows life science and biology students the practicalities and marvels of genetics."

Dig Magazine
“Fascinating information, all offered in an approachable easy-to-understand manner, with fact boxes, suggestions for activities, descriptive explanations, and guides to further inquiry. Have fun and learn at the same time!”

 

Detailed Book Description

Why do children resemble their parents and siblings? Introducing young readers to the fascinating world of genetics, this educational resource presents the main concepts of the science, including what a chromosome does, how DNA is structured, and how genetic inheritance works. Students learn about new discoveries in the field of genetics and how those discoveries have helped to cure or even prevent certain diseases, as well as examine controversial issues in genetics such as genetically modified foods and stem cell research. Combining inquiry-based, age-appropriate activities with biology, Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA features graphic novel illustrations, fascinating sidebars, and a glossary of important vocabulary to illuminate the complex world of genetics and bring it to life. Projects include building a 3D DNA double helix model, extracting DNA, using a Punnet Square to predict an offspring's probability of inheritance, and evaluating the benefits and risks of genetically engineering a new species. Additional materials include a list of current reference works, websites, and Internet resources.

Available In:
Paperback, $16.95
9781619302129
Includes: Table of Contents | Timeline | Charts | Glossary | Resources | Index
Specs: 8 x 10 size | black and white interior | 128 pages
Subject: Science
Content Focus: Chemistry
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Timeline

Introduction
The Code of Life

Chapter 1
Gregor Mendel

Chapter 2
Looking Inside the Cell

Chapter 3
DNA: The Genetic Material

Chapter 4
Genes and Chromosomes

Chapter 5
Sex Cells and Meiosis

Chapter 6
Sending Messages

Chapter 7
Gene Mutations

Chapter 8
Genetic Advances

Glossary
Resources
Index