Inherited Traits & DNA Complete Lesson Plan - MS

Everything you need for a dynamic and engaging unit on inherited traits—all in one place! This fully editable, multiday resource includes presentations, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments, designed to minimize prep time while maximizing student learning.

With differentiated, student-led activities, you’ll have more time to focus on guiding your students toward success.

Essential Questions for Students

• What are inherited traits?

• How are traits determined by the genetic material found in genes within chromosomes in the cell nucleus?

Texas Teachers: This lesson aligns with the 2017 TEKS (not updated for the 2021 TEKS).

Why This Complete Lesson Stands Out

• Differentiated materials to support all learners

• Multimodal activities to keep students engaged

• Maximum flexibility—use resources digitally or in print

• Editable PowerPoints so you can adapt to your classroom needs

• Spanish translations of vocabulary, reading passages, and notebook pages

Based on the proven 5E Instructional Model (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, Evaluation), this lesson ensures deep learning with a clear structure.

What’s Included

Engagement

• Lesson objectives and Word Wall Cards (English & Spanish vocabulary)

• Teacher guide with class discussion ideas, student activity suggestions, and common misconceptions

Exploration – Student-Led Station Lab

Nine engaging stations introduce inherited traits through multiple learning styles:

Input Stations (absorb content)

• Explore It! Hands-on demo or experiment

• Read It! Differentiated reading passages (English & Spanish) + comprehension questions

• Research It! Online tasks with guiding questions

• Watch It! Short video + discussion prompts

Output Stations (show learning)

• Organize It! Card sorts (printable & digital)

• Write It! Open-ended response questions

• Illustrate It! Drawing/sketching activities to boost recall

• Assess It! Formal questions for mastery check

Bonus Station

• Challenge It! Extension activities for early finishers or enrichment

Explanation

• Editable PowerPoints (standard & interactive versions)

• Interactive notebook templates (digital & print, English & Spanish)

• Guided note-taking templates

Elaboration

• Student choice projects to extend and personalize learning

Evaluation

• Assessment questions updated for STAAR 2.0 (in standard & modified versions)

• Review worksheet for class discussion, practice, or homework

Digital & In-Person Flexibility

This resource works seamlessly for both in-class and virtual learning. The station labs, PowerPoints, and interactive notebooks can all be used in digital formats, making it easy to adapt to any learning environment.

Save time. Differentiate with ease. Engage every learner.
This complete lesson gives you everything you need to confidently teach inherited traits in middle school.

This is a finished product; it will be updated with formatting or corrections as needed. Future improvements and new features will be sold as a separate product.