Chromosome Notes & Karyotype Activity Lesson Plan (Direct Instruction)

Teacher:Julie Koshy & Kathy McKee

Subject/Grade: Biology

Date: Jan. 13-15, 2016

Standard:
S4.C2.PO 3. Explain how genotypic variation occurs and results in phenotypic diversity.
Objective (SWBAT):
Describe that chromosomes contain important genetic information that result in
physically visible traits, called phenotype, and that karyotypes can important diagnostic
tools that can show chromosomal abnormalities.
Sub-objectives, SWBAT (Sequenced from basic to complex):
Define the term chromosome and karyotype.
Assemble a karyotype based on chromosome properties such as length and banding.
Determine chromosomal abnormalities based on a karyotype.
Use the Internet to find characteristics of their patients chromosomal abnormality.
Evidence of Mastery (Measurable, include variety of methods of checking for understanding):
Students will identify the chromosomal abnormality of a patient and will list common
characteristic of that chromosomal abnormality.
Key vocabulary: chromosome, sister chromatids,
karyotype, length, banding & trisomy

Materials: PowerPoint, projector, interactive

karyotype activity, patient karyotype activity,
lab notebooks, & writing utensil

Guided Practice

Instructional Input

Opening/Anticipatory Set: What is a chromosome? Why are they important? What would happen if one
or part of one was missing? What if there was an extra chromosome?
Teacher Will:
Explain what chromosomes and
karyotypes are by using a PowerPoint.

Student Will:
Take notes in their lab notebook.

Differentiation
Students who have difficulty writing can be given the slides with the key points left blank for
the students to fill in. Also students who are unable to write may use a computer to type their
notes.
Teacher Will:
Pull up the interactive activity of
assembling a karyotype. Guide students
through assembling a karyotype as a class by
looking at the length of the chromosome and the
banding.

Student Will:
Participate during the activity by
matching chromosomes to form a karyotype
and pay attention as others match the
chromosomes based on banding and the
length of the chromosome.

Independent Practice

Differentiation
Students can be given a handout with the definition of the new vocabulary.
Teacher Will:
Assign each pair with a patient. Instruct
students to complete their patients karyotype,
identify the chromosomal abnormality, and
research symptoms/indicators of the
chromosomal abnormality.
Have students rotate so that students share the
information about the other chromosomal
abnormalities.
Have a class discussion about each
chromosomal abnormality and the diagnostic
capabilities of a karyotype.

Student Will:
Finish their patients karyotype. Identify
the chromosomal abnormality. Research
symptoms/indicators of the chromosomal
abnormality.
Rotate and share information about their
patients.
Participate in the class discussion.

Differentiation
Students who have trouble writing may take pictures of other groups information to put in
their notebook later.
Closure/Lesson Summary: Students will write a reflection of how what they think is important about
karyotypes and if the activity was useful in developing their understanding.