 |
 |
| This activity is appropriate for children ages 12 and up. Some previous study of cells, chromosomes and genes is preferable. |
| |
 |
|
In Living LEGO®, students work through the steps of cell division, specifically meiosis, in "LEGO® fish" cells to gain a better understanding of the process of gamete cell division and the ways that genes can be expressed. After running through the steps of meiosis, students predict the phenotype and genotype of possible offspring for two parents with a known genotype.
The LEGO fish is introduced as a model to demonstrate how genes can be expressed in a "living" creature. Our fish has only three chromosome pairs, rather than a human's 23 pairs, to facilitate an easier understanding of the relationship between gene and trait. In designing their own LEGO fish, students discover how dominant and recessive genes as seen in the genotype affect what the phenotype looks like. |
| |
| Students complete the activity by looking at how environmental factors interact with and affect the gene pool of a given population. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
