Bean Genes is an alternative assessment for monohybrid crosses. Here are the photos. I like this because it takes about 20 minutes to do the activity, tally, and answer the questions. Done! The goal is to do a quick review of major topics: genotype so, phenotype so, genotypic ratios, phenotypic ratios, Punnett squares, monohybrid cross, complete dominance, incomplete dominance, and codominance. The girls each had cups of red and white beans and completed 25 trials. We averaged their data to derive the phenotypic averages. One child working alone should get a 1:3:1 genotypic average and a 3:1 phenotypic average. The more kids, the more trial, the closer your data will be to these ratios. This link explains the differences among complete dominance, incomplete dominance, and codominance. Since this activity was a form of alternative assessment, I had the girls write out their answers and date the material for their portfolios. BTW, save photos of samples with dates as part of an electronic portfolio.
The girls also created paper DNA, mRNA, and tRNA models of transcription and translation. The models took hours because, I insisted we use a DNA molecule and create a peptide chain. The girls had to explain protein synthesis orally and in writing. I read and retread their summaries, helped they clarify and correct their paragraphs. As home-schoolers, isn't this a much better way to assess understanding? You may want to video their answers and post them to a blog as a digital portfolio. Better yet, have your child do it.
