Genetics and Heredity Lesson Plan
Learning Objective
Students will understand the fundamentals of genetics and heredity, including dominant and recessive traits, Punnett squares, and DNA structure. In addition, they will be able to create an animated gif using Brush Ninja to demonstrate their understanding of the topic.
Materials
- Access to computers or tablets with internet access
- Brush Ninja website
- Paper and pencil for note-taking
Procedure
- Introduction: Begin by having students brainstorm examples of traits that are passed down from parents to children (e.g. eye color, height). Write these on the board.
- Lecture: Provide a brief overview of genetics and heredity, including DNA structure, dominant and recessive traits, and Punnett squares.
- Demonstration: Show students how to use Brush Ninja by creating a simple animation together as a class.
- Activity: Have students work individually or in pairs to create an animated gif that demonstrates their understanding of genetics and heredity. Encourage them to include examples of dominant/recessive traits or Punnett squares in their animations.
Assessment
Students’ understanding of genetics and heredity will be assessed through their ability to create an accurate animated gif using Brush Ninja that demonstrates key concepts related to this topic.
Extension
Advanced students can be challenged by researching specific genetic disorders with known causes such as sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis etc., then creating animations that explain these conditions further for others who may not know much about them yet!
← Fractions and DecimalsGeometric Transformations →
How to animate with Brush Ninja
This video teaches the basics of using Brush Ninja
More Science Lessons
Examples of Brush Ninja in Education
Life Cycle of a Fish Comes to Life! My first graders used Brush Ninja to create a GiF about the life cycle of a fish 😍
Tweeted by Nancy HolguinStudents made animated water cycles using Brush Ninja today. Perfect for a rainy day like today! 🌧 💻
Tweeted by Mrs.HuestisThanks to @CrosbyMiddle for supplying us with a Creativity A-Z resource. S’ and I have been learning a new one each week. This week http://brush.ninja a great free site.
Tweeted by Jenny StithWhat an awesome illustration made from one of my students on yesterday. She was so inspired from the Science lesson and I am so proud!
Tweeted by Miss Bee Shelvin, M. Ed.Provide students the tools and freedom to allow their creativity to flow and they will blow you away! This fifth grade Pirate is proof of that using #BrushNinja during our animation journey.
Tweeted by Mrs. MorganHere’s some fantastic GIF animations created by some of @esmsedinburgh’s P5 classes using Brush Ninja - a moon invasion and time-lapse plant growing cartoon! Totally normal thing to say in this job 🤣
Tweeted by Mr Rigby


