Genetic Superheroes

W E L C O M E
T O

pzl-pcs.gif (2364 bytes) Genetic Phenotypes
of the Super-heros

Submitted by Jerry Aissis
Providence, Rhode Island
Biology - Grade 7-9
Duration - One week

This unit was part of a project developed for the Rhode Island Teachers in Technology Program during the summer of 1998.

Objectives: Students learn that genetic differences exist in all of us. That diversity is what makes us unique as individuals. Phenotypes are the physical characteristics that we develop from our genotype (our genetic makeup). Both the environment and our genotype interact to make us what we are. Any genetic unit can incorporate this lesson as an activity to introduce genotype and phenotype.

Materials: Internet access and drawing materials. (paper, colored pencils, crayons, markers, and/or watercolors) Coins (pennies are fine).

Procedure: Students access the Internet and locate Marvel Comic sites that give backgrounds and physical characteristics of the super-heroes. (Examples would include, Wolverine, Cyclops, and Elektra to name a few). Working in groups of two, they must search for a male and female superhero and develop a list of physical traits and characteristics that these super-heroes have in common and also are unique to that individual. They then toss two coins to simulate a genetic cross: HH (the trait is dominant, HT (the trait is mixed but still dominant) TT (the trait is recessive) Tossing coins for as many different traits that they have listed, they generate a new list of physical features.

The challenge comes when students work together to draw a new superhero based upon the new set of traits. The artwork created by the students can then be displayed in the room. They make up new names for these super-heroes and these drawings can then be used with other drawings for even more genetic crosses. Students can also post them on the computer and work with other schools doing the same unit. They can develop contests for the wildest looking superhero. This type of activity reaches those students who like to doodle in class and can be used to combine those that are artistically inclined with the general student. There is no limit to this type of activity. This activity can help to establish that diversity makes our world unique.

Directions to the student: Search the Internet for information on a Marvel Comic Super Hero of your choice. Develop a list of 20 to 25 physical traits (phenotype) that your character has which you can identify by physically looking at the character. Print a copy of the character so you can share the information with the other person in your group. As you develop your list of physical traits, assign different letters of the alphabet for each trait. You may choose to use all capital letters. Another group of students will do the same but will choose lower case letters for their traits for their super character.

Now have someone from each group toss a coin (use a penny). If the coin turns up head-head, the capital letter for the trait will dominate. If the coins turn up head-tail, the trait for the capital letter will still dominate. If the coin turns up tail-tail, the lower case letter trait will be the physical trait. This represents the recessive trait. Do this for all 25 traits. From your new list of traits, which will be a combination of the two super characters, make a drawing of your new super hero based upon the new traits.

You may want to post your drawings on the web or e-mail them to other groups of students who are also doing this activity.

For extra credit, create a story line that goes along with your character. Create an environment (let your imagination go wild) for your super hero. Who knows, this could be the start of another comic book character. Superman, watch out!

Evaluation: The use of technology in science Genetic diversity creates cultural differences that make our world unique. DNA is the material that genes are made of and this material is passed on from generation to generation. The environment and our genetic makeup interact to give us our phenotype. Students develop skills working cooperatively to create a finished product using computer skills and the World Wide Web.

Click here to download the Adobe Acrobat version of this lesson.

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