Genes

    This week we simulated what it would be like creating the genes with ourselves and our table partners. The simulation consisted of rolling dice to see what genotypes would be created and then led to what phenotypes would result from those. I learned a lot through this because it is really eye opening to see how randomized everything truly is. With that, I learned more about the meaning of genotypes and phenotypes and overall process of creating DNA. The end result of our child is pictured to the right. 

    I am able to relate what I already knew to what we learned in class in a variety of different ways. I previously knew what genes were and how they made all of us humans different, but I feel as though my knowledge and outlook on genes has broadened. As you can see, we made a hypothetical child just from the roll of a dice. This went along with us creating different alleles, genotypes, and phenotypes. I have more experience and better understanding from this process. Therefore, I can take what I previously knew about genes, and expand it by what we did in class to have an overall knowledge on the topic. 

    I can apply what I have learned during this lab to my teachings as a future educator. This process and assignment can be helpful when explain to my kiddos that we are all different, that is okay, and here is why that is! It was fun and interesting to do! The other parts of lab that I can also take with me as a future educator is the model of a DNA strand that we made with different candy and toothpicks. This was a fun process and gives you a good idea about the double helix structure and what pairs with what! This is pictured down below, along with an updated pictured of our plant.