Cracking the Genetic Code in Grade 7

Throughout March, our Grade 7 students dove deep into the fascinating world of Genetics. We explored the mechanics of heredity, learning how dominant and recessive traits are passed down through generations, making each of us unique. It was a wonderful way for students to see their own "invisible" DNA in action and understand how statistical ratios—like those found in a Punnett Square—apply to our very own classroom community!

To bring these concepts to life, Aiden D. (Teacher for the day) led the class in a hands-on "PTC Taste Test" lab. PTC (phenylthiocarbamide) is a harmless chemical that either tastes incredibly bitter or like absolutely nothing at all, depending on your genetic makeup. The ability to taste it is a dominant trait, while being a "non-taster" is recessive. Aiden helped the students conduct the experiment and tally the results to determine the exact fraction of our class that was genetically predetermined to detect the bitterness.

To bring these concepts to life, Aiden D. (Teacher for the day) led the class in a hands-on "PTC Taste Test" lab. PTC (phenylthiocarbamide) is a harmless chemical that either tastes incredibly bitter or like absolutely nothing at all, depending on your genetic makeup. The ability to taste it is a dominant trait, while being a "non-taster" is recessive. Aiden helped the students conduct the experiment and tally the results to determine the exact fraction of our class that was genetically predetermined to detect the bitterness.