Punnet Squares - KS3 Low Ability - Genetic Crosses

This dyslexia-friendly lesson is aimed firmly at lower ability 11-14 year old learners who will struggle with the concept of genetic crosses. It could also be used with older students. I have tried to keep the language minimal to reduce confusion. This does not go anywhere near genotype, phenotype, heterozygous etc.

I have used animations to take learners through the idea of gene pairs separating and the chances of recombination. You’ll need to practice the timing of when to click the animations forward, as I have included deliberate ‘pause points’ to allow you to gauge understanding, or for learners to predict what will happen next. I’m quite proud of this one!

There is a printable blank Punnet Square, and alleles that can be easily cut out and popped into an envelope for the kids to create genetic crosses of their own. A worksheet tells them what crosses to do, and gets progressively harder.

Here are links to all resources in this topic: Genes and inheritance, Genes and environmental variation, Selective breeding, Genetic engineering, and Punnet squares

The PowerPoint uses dyslexia-friendly background, font, and character spacing. Icons indicate the nature of each section - e.g. group work, video, or note-taking. Key words, definitions, and phonetic pronunciation are also included in the PowerPoint. Feedback on this dyslexia-friendly style would be greatly appreciated!

All images freely sourced from Pixabay, and comply with the TES author code.