Ward's® Principles of Mendelian Genetics Lab Activity

Demonstrate probability and the laws of Segregation and Independent Assortment.

• Pre- and post-laboratory assessments
• Links to real world concepts
• Estimated class/lab time required: 45 minutes
• Aligned to NGSS standards (MS/HS: LS1, LS3)

Students can observe the results of random genotype combinations with the same mathematical results as in living organisms, but without the hassle of growing them. They’ll explore how genetic ratios are derived from two basic laws of probability, as well as simulate monohybrid crosses of peas to understand how alleles are passed on, how traits are determined, and how to predict segregation. They can also simulate a dihybrid cross of peas to understand how independent assortment works. The kit contains enough materials for 15 setups, a teacher’s guide, and student copy master.

The kit is also available for purchase with a link to a NewPath digital lesson, which includes a variety of resources on the topic, including background information, illustrations and self-assessments.

Ordering information: Each lab activity includes cup shakers, 4-sided dice, transparent plastic discs (yellow, green, red, blue), red allele discs, two-sided plastic coins, and blue wax marking pens.