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In this classroom activity, students score themselves for half a dozen simple genetic traits, most determined by single genes. Can they roll their tongues? Are their earlobes attached or free? Do they have dimples? The variation observed among their classmates provides a good introduction to the study of human genetic variation. Depending on the grade level of the class, the activity can be made more or less complex.

Elementary School. Students may stop after simple observations of traits and the extended idea that each of us is unique. Traits that are acquired rather than inherited can also be identified, such as hair length or pierced ears. Traits such as height and weight that are both genetically and environmentally determined can also be discussed.

Middle School. At this level, students are introduced to the concept of dominant and recessive genes and so are able to predict their genotypes based on their trait phenotypes.

High School. At this level, mathematical explorations into gene and phenotype frequencies can be conducted; pedigrees of students' own families can be constructed; and more sophisticated ideas such as the implications of variation in coding and non-coding DNA can be discussed.

We are creating an online genetic traits database that students from all over the world will be able to submit their data to. Students will tally the frequency of common genetic traits in their classes and then submit their data to the site. The data are then available to students online for various questions and calculations, such as figuring gene frequencies based on phenotypic frequencies using Hardy-Weinberg. This activity is broadly accessible because the traits are scored by simple observation rather than by using expensive biotechnology equipment that many classes lack. Please help us start our database by contributing your genetic traits data.

We will also be developing activities to go along with the data, but right now fully developed activities are not available.

Genetic Traits Database. View data collected so far from school groups around the U.S. and world.

Contribute Your Data. Instructions and forms for collecting and submitting genetic traits data to the database.

Tips on Scoring Genetic Traits. Some traits are harder to score than others. Our tips for obtaining accurate data.