Family Genes

Instructions:

1. You will first tell your child that today we will be learning about family genes.
2. Ask them: Do you know what I mean when I say genes?
   • Genes are what make up our bodies. We get some genes from our moms and some from our dads.
3. Today we are going to find out where some of your genes come from either Mom or Dad.
4. On a piece of paper write Mom / Dad at the top (making a chart)
5. Brainstorm with your child to come up with the following for both parents: (add more as you see fit)
   • Hair color
   • Eye color
   • Height
   • Glasses and vision impairments or none
   • Dimples?
   • Freckles?
   • Can you curl your tongue? That is inherited through genes too!
6. On a separate sheet of paper list all the names of the children in the family (in your home)
7. Follow the same steps to come up with characteristics for the children.
8. Compare all your results together.
   • What did your child get from you?
   • What did they get from their other parent?
   • Did you notice anything else that was interesting?

Extension:

1. You can extend this activity by creating a piece of paper for both sets of grandparents. Help your child come up with characteristics for all 4.
   • Compare these to the others to see what maybe came from an older generation in the family.
2. Draw a family portrait. Be sure to include everyone you used for this activity.