Genetics and Heredity Unit for Special Education Biology

This unit on Genes and Heredity contains 190 pages of material specifically designed for students with special learning needs, especially autism PLUS 44 google slides that contain a digital version of the activities in the printable pdf. This unit addresses the main characteristics of genes (DNA, nucleotides, genes, alleles, dominant and recessive) as well as information on heredity and how genetics is used in science.

All the information is presented in a simplified but rigorous way for students with diverse learning needs to make meaningful and authentic connections to the material. There are many opportunities for students to engage in repeated information on the structure of DNA and how traits are inherited. In addition, many of the activities and assessments include more than one version, suggestions for differentiation, and options for presentation.

The digital activities were created using google slides and can be used with google classroom.

Each digital activity comes in 2 versions. The original plus one with color-coding to add more visual support for students who need the extra help. There is also a link to a movie version of both books included in the unit that students can watch online.

There are directions on how to access the digital activities and movie in a pdf included in this unit. There are also suggestions on the easiest way to assign the appropriate activities to each student.

See the preview for a more detailed look at the contents.

*****************************************************************************

Genes and Heredity Unit Includes:

⭐ This unit comes in 2 complete files. One is in color and one is in black and white.

In the zipped folder you will find:

• 11 days of lesson plans
• Genetics and Heredity Unit activities in color
• Genetics and Heredity Unit activities in black and white
• Voice-recorded PowerPoint show
• Genes: the Magic Code book (PowerPoint) to use with activities
• Links and directions to digital activities

Genes and Heredity Activities Includes:

• Vocabulary board
• 20 Vocabulary cards and cut/paste activities (plus digital versions)
• 2 Circle maps (plus digital versions)
• Labeling activities (plus digital versions)
• Boy or girl determination (plus digital versions)
• Identifying inherited traits (plus digital versions)
• Make an edible DNA model
• 4 Cut and paste close worksheets (plus digital versions)
• 2 Sudoku puzzles (plus digital versions)
• Word search
• Assessments (3 versions) (plus digital versions)

*****************************************************************************

Much of what I have learned about curriculum development is incorporated in these units. For example, do not be afraid of repetition. It is critical that students with significant disabilities get to experience material over several days to be able to fully assimilate what is being taught. Also, adding visual supports to your printables and class activities helps students be able to pay more attention to the content you are presenting rather than the mechanics of what is expected. Finally, ask questions. Good questions!! Regardless of the material, if we can ask students good questions it will push them to think more deeply than before.

♥As always please take a moment to leave feedback or post any questions you may have.