Name _________________________________________

_________________

Date

Inheritable Traits Worksheet

Grandparent: _________ Phenotype: _________ Possible Genotype: ________
Grandparent: _________ Phenotype: _________ Possible Genotype: ________

Offspring: ________ Phenotype: ________ Possible Genotype: _________

Mate: ________ Phenotype: ________ Possible Genotype: _________

Offspring:
Genotype:
Mate: ________
_________

________ Phenotype: ________ Possible

_________
Phenotype: ________ Possible Genotype:

1) Offspring: ________ Phenotype: ________ Possible Genotype: _________

2) Offspring: ________ Phenotype: ________ Possible Genotype: _________
3) Offspring: ________ Phenotype: ________ Possible Genotype: _________
4) Offspring: ________ Phenotype: ________ Possible Genotype: _________

Parent Signature: _________________________________

Dear Parent or Guardian,

My name is Wyland Oyama and I am your childs science teacher at

_________________. We have recently been studying the topic of genetics, including
Punnett squares and inheritable traits. This week, I wanted the students to track
their own potential genetic makeup through three generations of their family tree,
noting the phenotype (what trait is seen in the individual) and possible genotype
(allele pairing) of a few individuals in their family. Hopefully you and your child will
find this to be an engaging activity in the application of their science knowledge.
For this assignment, the student must choose one of three possible traits to
work with: earlobes, widows peaks, or dimples. Each trait is defined by two alleles,
which either express the dominant trait or the recessive one. For example, having
free hanging earlobes, having a widows peak, or having dimples are all dominant
traits. Your child should be able to readily describe these to you, as we have gone
over them in class.
The assignment requires the student to look at their grandparents (photos
are fine) and identify the phenotype of the individuals for the trait they choose.
From there, they must record the genotype of the individuals (one possibility for the
recessive phenotype, two for a dominant phenotype) and complete a Punnett
square for the possible genotype of the offspring. Though the genotype is
sometimes unknown, the offspring will provide some clues as to what a possible
genotype may be. Have them continue this process from grandparent, to parent, to
themselves as well as brothers or sisters. If they have an aunt or uncle, please
include them as well as any cousins from that aunt or uncle. I have numbered the
final offspring, but they must be attached to their parents by a line or arrow (drawn
by the student).
If there are any questions or complications with the assignment, please
contact me at _______________. If you or your child have questions about the content,
I found this website (http://anthro.palomar.edu/mendel/mendel_2.htm) and this
video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mehz7tCxjSE) to be an effective crash
course on this particular topic of genetics. Be sure to sign your childs worksheet as
it is a part of their grade for this activity. I look forward to seeing what you and your
child do, and I strongly encourage them to attach pictures for a more immersive
experience. Thank you for taking the time to work with your child on this
assignment, and as always, feel free to contact me anytime.

Sincerely,
Wyland Oyama

GUIDING QUESTION: How is a gene for a particular trait seen passed down from
Grandparents, to parents, to children?
Standards: SC.7.L.16.1
SC.7.L.16.2