Grades 5 & 6
Kits available for pickup May 11th
Mutations are changes in DNA that can sometimes lead to variation in traits. Through a comparison of wild-type and mutant strains of Drosophila fruit flies—a common model organism in genetic research—students will observe how mutations in DNA can affect the traits of a living thing and draw conclusions about the role that mutations play in natural selection, evolution, and genetic disease.
Students will:
- observe fruit fly traits using a stereo microscope or pocket magnifier;
- describe and record traits of different fruit flies;
- draw conclusions about the fitness of flies with different trait variations; and
- discuss the role of mutations in species survival and evolution.
