Asking Questions in Biology

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 26.06.08

  1. Unit Guide
  1. Introduction
  2. Rationale
  3. Background Knowledge & Content
  4. Reginald Punnett And The Punnett Square
  5. Ptolemy Marriages
  6. Cousin Marriages
  7. Native American Clan System
  8. Teaching Strategies
  9. Punnet Square
  10. Classroom Activities
  11. Annotated Bibliography
  12. Appendix On Implementing State And Diné Standards
  13. Notes

Mendel/Punnett, Close Marriages and Clans (K’é)

Jolene Smith

Published September 2026

Tools for this Unit:

Guide Entry to 26.06.08

In this unit, scientists like Mendel and Punnett studied genetics using plants like peas and other plants. Later, they experimented with additional plants and eventually animals using the Punnett Square.

Eventually, human genomes became part of genetic research, focusing on parental genes. The simple Punnett Square activity became part of classroom learning. Students learned to analyze Mendel’s pea experiment and parental genes from their genetic results. They learned why close marriages are frowned upon within families and cultures.

Ptolemy and native tribe marriages are viewed as examples of marriages that fail in the genetic line. Certain tribes have clans that keep bands from intermarrying within the same clan.

Keywords: Mendel, Punnett, genetics, traits, Ptolemy, Apache, Navajo, Clans, K’é

(Developed for Science, Biology, and Social Studies, grade 5; recommended for Science, Biology, and Social Studies, grade 6)

Comments:

Be the first to comment on this unit!

Add a Comment

Characters Left: 500