Name______Pd____

Trait / Inherited / Acquired / Comments
1. Has blue eyes
2. Enjoys bungee jumping
3. Is 6 feet tall
4. Has red hair
5. IQ of 150
6. Smokes cigarettes
7. Weighs 250 pounds
8. Has depression
9. Has alcoholism
10. Has cancer

1. Complete the chart below: Place an “X” in the box whether you think the trait is inherited (nature) or acquired (nurture). Write a comment in the box if you have one.

2. Go to this website: Read about nature vs. nurture. Take notes so that you get a good idea of the concept nature vs. nurture.

Below are some more sites to visit IF you need more clarification.

  • NOVA: Nature vs. Nurture Revisited
  • BBC News: Human Genome: Nature vs. Nurture
  • BBC News: Nature versus Nurture

3. Now that you know a little bit about nature vs. nurture, research the trait that you were given. Use the following questions to help you. Remember to write down your 3 sources!

a. Define/explain what your trait is.

b. What does inherited (nature) or acquired (nurture) mean?

c. How do genes (inherited/nature) or the environment (acquired/nurture) affect your trait?

4. Use books, the internet and start your search with Science in Context using nature vs. nurture as your search.

5. After reading, researching and thinking about nature (inherited) vs.nurture (acquired), answer the following questions about your own traits.

a. Are your personality traits similar to those of your parents? Make a list of the traits you share with your mother and those you share with your father.

b. Do you sometimes think that you “can’t help” the way you respond to certain situations? Is this behavior like that of one of your parents? Do you see “nature” winning out in this example? Can you think of situations in which "nurture" seems to win out?

c. Do your friends influence your behavior? If so, how? Try to be as specific as you can.

d. Are you influenced by what you see and hear in the media?

Describe the impact this has on you.

e. Are you influenced by a special adult in your life, such as a relative, a teacher, or a youth group leader? How has this person helped shape your personality?