Junior Science: Genetics and Evolution

It focuses on aspects of levels 3, 4 and 5 of the New Zealand Science Curriculum.

The literacy tasks in this workbook encourage the students to read for meaning, scan material, select appropriate information and understand keywords. The inclusion of mini-research projects prepares students for what is required in the Senior Sciences.

The numeracy tasks involve averaging, rounding, graphing, tabulating data and reading scales accurately. These are all vital skills in the Sciences and beyond.

Specific Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this topic, students should be able to:

• correctly use keywords associated with genetics.
• compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis.
• recognise the importance of DNA in terms of phenotype.
• use Punnett squares to predict outcomes.
• draw, read and interpret pedigree charts.
• explain the types of adaptations and the importance of adaptations.
• explain the importance of variation in a species.
• be introduced to the process of speciation.
• draw and interpret graphs and tables.
• read and interpret information from a text with a science focus.
• write mini-research projects using scientific text.