Investigating Traits, Inheritance, & Adaptations Project (8th Grade)

Introduction

Organisms survive because of traits that help them obtain resources, reproduce, and respond to changes in their environment. Scientists study how traits are inherited and how environmental changes can affect the survival of populations over time. In this project, you will investigate the Prismback Glider by analyzing its traits, patterns of inheritance, and interactions within its ecosystem. Using evidence from your investigation, you will determine how environmental changes may affect the species and develop a conservation plan to help protect its future.

Standards Alignment

Texas TEKS (New Standards)

• 8.13A – Describe the structure and function of cells, including the roles of cell organelles in maintaining life functions.
• 8.13B – Explain how genetic information is inherited and predict the probability of inherited traits using Punnett squares.
• 8.13C – Analyze how variations within a population and environmental changes influence survival and reproduction.

NGSS (Middle School Life Science)

• MS-LS1-2 – Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and the ways cell parts contribute to the function.
• MS-LS3-2 – Develop and use a model to describe why offspring inherit genetic traits from their parents.
• MS-LS4-4 – Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations and environmental factors influence the survival of organisms.
• LS3.A – Inheritance of Traits
• LS3.B – Variation of Traits
• LS4.C – Adaptation
• LS4.D – Biodiversity and Humans

Facilitator Key Included