Heredity and DNA
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Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Evolution and inheritance, where they examined how genetic traits are passed through generations and how species adapt over time. It deepens their understanding by exploring the detailed mechanisms of heredity, including DNA, chromosomes, and genes, and how genetic information is transmitted. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Reproduction in humans, where they will apply their knowledge of genetic inheritance to understand human reproductive processes, focusing on the roles of genetic material in development and variation.
Prior knowledge requirements
- [Y5] Reproduction is part of the life cycle of all living things.
- [Y6] Living things, including animals and plants, produce offspring of the same kind.
- [Y6] Characteristics are passed from parents to their offspring.
- [Y6] Offspring are similar to their parents, but normally offspring vary and are not identical to their parents.
- All organisms are made up of cells.
- The cells of animals and plants have a nucleus that stores genetic material.
- The genetic material provides instructions for growth and other life processes.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Evolution and inheritance, where they examined how genetic traits are passed through generations and how species adapt over time. It deepens their understanding by exploring the detailed mechanisms of heredity, including DNA, chromosomes, and genes, and how genetic information is transmitted. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Reproduction in humans, where they will apply their knowledge of genetic inheritance to understand human reproductive processes, focusing on the roles of genetic material in development and variation.
Prior knowledge requirements
- [Y5] Reproduction is part of the life cycle of all living things.
- [Y6] Living things, including animals and plants, produce offspring of the same kind.
- [Y6] Characteristics are passed from parents to their offspring.
- [Y6] Offspring are similar to their parents, but normally offspring vary and are not identical to their parents.
- All organisms are made up of cells.
- The cells of animals and plants have a nucleus that stores genetic material.
- The genetic material provides instructions for growth and other life processes.
Biology
Heredity and DNA
This unit examines the transmission of genetic information through heredity, how scientific methods evolve with new evidence, the importance of publishing and peer review, and the Study of DNA, chromosomes, and genes while developing lab skills focusing on safety.
7 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Heredity and DNA unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our secondary science curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for secondary science programmes.