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Interesting Characters Bring Math and Genetics Together for Eighth Graders
Math teacher Ali Frank's eighth grade students have created some interesting “couples” in their classroom: think Superman and the Queen of Hearts and Yoda and Jessica Rabbit. Applying what they’ve learned about polynomials to the world of genetics, students created polynomial Punnett squares of four genetically-linked characteristics and explored the math behind genetics. “Creativity is really the important part of this project,” says Ms. Frank. “After deciding which characteristics are dominant and recessive, students are asked to calculate the probability using polynomial multiplication and equations of certain traits showing up in the couple’s offspring.” The final step of the project asks students to create a drawing or computer-generated picture of the couple’s offspring with relevant traits.
“This is really just another way for me to check in and make sure that the unit material has been solidified in the students’ brains,” adds Ms. Frank. “And it gives students a fun, creative way to show that they understand the unit. Some of the traits they come up with are really funny—for example, who knew that being faster than a speeding bullet was a dominant trait?—and the students are always engaged with one another’s projects. This is definitely a fun, creative, and engaging way to end the school year!”
