Activity: a Genetics Mural

Activity: A Genetics Mural

Goal: To create a mural in whichstudents generate their own depictions and create their own stories of their understanding of the genetic concepts that they learned.

Background Information: From cave drawings to children’s books, imaginative drawings, accompanied by compelling narratives,are parts of

human history. In creating a mural of “what you learned” about genetics, you are creating a story. The story links what you already know, to new concepts, allowing you to see a connection among all of the genetic concepts that you are studying. Your stories will become meaningful and motivating venues for learning. The creation of the mural will provide you with a “productive and insightful way of thinking about and integrating a range of basic ideas that explain the natural and designed world” (K-12 Unifying Concepts and Processes Standards).

Materials: 8 X 11 inch white copy paper, clear tape, pencils, colored pencils

Procedure:

1. Begin by using three sheets of white copy paper. Place the paper end to end and tape the two sheets together with short strips of tape. The tape should be on the back of the pages only.

1. Orient your papers in portrait format. Be sure that the tape is on the back of your papers before you begin sketching your mural. Write your name on the top right corner of the first page. Write the title of the mural, The Story of Genetics at the top of the first page. You will add papers as you learn and connect additional genetic concepts. We will be working on the mural in sections, as we progress through a variety of genetic concepts.

1. Use allthe resources that you have accumulated on your study of genetics so far. This includes your text book, lab activities, homeworkassignments, warm-up activities and handouts. Begin your story with a drawing, and then add labels and explanations. On your mural, include some of the main concepts you learned, while trying to connect one component to another. First, sketch your drawings in pencil and then add color using colored pencils.

1. Three important rules that you must follow are as outlined below:

• The direction of the story must be made clear and relevant connectors, such as arrows with reasons written across them, should be used.
• Diagrams should fully dominate the mural (There should be more pictures than text.)
• Explanations must accompany every picture.

1. At the end of this ongoing activity, you will have about 4-5 sheets of paper comprising your mural.