The Blue People of Troubled Creek, Science '86. Student will present an initial lesson on mendelian genetics. Students will read article referenced and discuss the ways in which a unique genetic trait can strengthened in successive generations in an isolated population. Students will divide into pairs or small groups. Two groups will receive one blue strip along with one white.
Students clip their pair of genes to a cardboard strip, making a first generation.
The two newly combined pairs are clipped to a second strip of cardboard creating the 2nd generation. Third, fourth and fifth generations are produced in the same manner. Students use their 5 cardboard strips to create a family pedigree. In the following class, the teacher will lead the class in reviewing and discussing Mendelian genetic terms, exogamy, endogamy, and benign versus harmful traits. Students can discuss ways in which the preceding exercise mimics and ways in which it differs from a real-life population.