Introduction to Genetics




Project #1: 
FamilyConnection

We’ve modified the standard paper doll pattern to create adult and child-sized people.




First, fold a sheet of paper into 4ths, width-wise:



Be aware that one half of your paper will form the adults and the other half the children.

If you are planning on making just one adult, then you are done folding the adult side . The same applies to the other, child side.

This will make 2 adults and 2 children.

For our example, we have made 2 adults and 4 children. We folded the child side of the paper further (16ths) and left the adult side in 8ths:

*If you want to make 3 children, then fold that side of the paper into 6ths.

Now you can cut out the dolls. Keep your paper folded in the two separate sections and make sure that the arms of the adults and children are aligned. Cut out a half-figure on the fold sides of the paper:

To flatten, you can iron the dolls on your iron’s lowest setting. Have your child color each member of his family.

Project #2: Trait Tree


For this project you will need skin-colored card stock, 2 sheets of white card stock, a craft circle punch, a standard hole punch, markers, scissors, glue and felt.


First, punch out 7 skin-colored circles with a craft punch (heads), and 14 white circles with a hole punch (eyeballs). The heads will represent your child’s grandparents, parents, and himself. This arrangement can be easily modified for alternate family situations.



Next, have your child glue two eyes onto the middle of each head (make room for hair).


He can then color the irises and pupils in each pair of eyes, and draw a mouth on each face.

When your child is ready, show him how to arrange the heads in a family tree formation onto a piece of white card stock. Glue each head in place, then glue on the hair. Draw lines from each set of grandparents to the parents, and then to the child.

Why we like it: 

Your child may even want to create a funky tree out of his diagram!


Erik’s Human/Tree Hybrid