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Cats and Punnett squares

Scientists would like to breed cats that don’t trigger allergies in people. By constructing and analyzing a Punnett square for two low-allergen cats, students will review key concepts including patterns and probabilities of inheritance, genotype, phenotype, genes, alleles, chromosomes and mutations.

The quest to fend off cat allergies

Students will answer questions about the Science News article “How to lick cat allergies,” which explores some potential solutions to prevent and calm allergic reactions.

Taking charge of allergies

Students will identify and categorize various approaches to fending off cat allergies. After discussing the approaches, students will apply similar problem-solving strategies to a new allergen.

Your nose is running

Students will practice making predictions and drawing conclusions. The activity will help students understand how infections spread, especially among organisms living in close proximity.

Dissect a scientific argument

These discussion prompts ask students to evaluate a scientific argument using the claim, evidence, reasoning model.

Fungal threats on the rise?

Students will answer questions based on the Science News article “Climate change may raise the risk of deadly fungal infections in humans. One species is already a threat.”

The great gene-editing debate

Students will research and debate a contentious issue, arguing an assigned viewpoint based on scientific evidence. This debate is focused on gene editing for the creation of human babies, but can be easily adapted for other topics.

Explore genetic engineering’s legacy

These discussion prompts explore how genetic engineering has been used in medicine, agriculture and basic research.

Pressing pause on gene editing

Students will answer questions based on the Science News article "Ban on gene-edited babies proposed."

Following an ancient path

Students will answer questions based on the Science News article "Robot re-creates a tetrapod's moves."

Navigate neuroscience

Students will use resources beyond the article to answer more detailed questions on neuroscience, biochemistry and microbiology.

Making a gut-brain connection

Students will answer questions based on the Science News article "Parkinson's pathways."