Genetics Projects for Middle School

Did you ever play with paper dolls? You know the kind with a paper body dressed in a one-piece and you got to choose which paper outfit to carefully fold onto the shoulders of your doll? I used to have a lot of fun with those as a kid, and they were my inspiration for my middle school genetics projects. 

I created two similar genetics projects, one featuring fairies and the other goblins. Both projects have the same instructions and rubric and expectations. My Make a Fairy and Make a Goblin genetics activities are sure to be a hit in your science classroom or with your homeschooling students. Personally, I know my middle school self would have been ALL over the goblin project. 

Overview of the Projects:

1. Students flip coins to determine fairy/goblin parents' genotypes and phenotypes.
2. Students solve Punnett squares and roll four-sided die to determine their fairy’s/goblin's genotypes and phenotypes.
3. Students color, cut, and glue their fairies/goblins onto a woodland scene or a cave scene.
4. Students answer genetics questions about their fairies/goblins.
5. Students submit their project and are graded with the included rubric.

Necessary Supplies:

• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• Colored pencils (these are my favorite) or crayons
• Coins or a digital coin flip
• Four-sided dice or other method of randomly generating a number between one and four

Why You’ll Love the Projects:

• An example is included, so you can show your students a completed project without having to make your own. (Although you certainly can create your own—I did. They're a lot of fun.)
• Rubrics clearly explain expectations to students and make grading straightforward and fair.
• These are high-interest projects, so students will be motivated to do a good job.
• Supplies are easy to find and minimal. 
• The projects go over multiple genetics concepts at the same time—dominant, recessive, genotype, phenotype, homozygous, heterozygous, purebred, and Punnett squares.

Why Your Students Will Love the Projects:

• They get to express their creativity.
• They'll be super excited to see the traits of their fairies and goblins. How can a 7th grader not be thrilled to find the answer to the question, “Will my goblin be extra stinky and foul or smell like flowers?” 
• The directions are easy-to-follow and the expectations are clearly communicated in the rubric.
• Interest will be even higher if they get to choose whether to create a fairy or a goblin.

Tips for Success:

• Allow more time than you think you’ll need for this project. You’ll always have the early finishers, but you’ll need at least a full hour to work on this project. 
• Print extra color and cut pages for accidental fairy and goblin amputations. 
• Show a completed project to generate interest and help establish expectations. 
• Go over each page with your students before beginning, so you can highlight directions and set students up for success.
• Read the rubric together so there are no surprises when it comes to grading. 
• Provide students with the option to complete a fairy or a goblin. You can save money and get both projects in this little bundle. Any time you can give students a choice, you’re bound to get better learning and engagement. 
• Don’t use markers and don’t use liquid glue. These projects are best done with crayons or colored pencils and glue sticks. 

Where You Can Find the Projects:

• My TPT store has the Make a Fairy Project, Make a Goblin Project, and the discounted bundle of the two projects together.
• My Etsy store has the Make a Fairy Project and the Make a Goblin Project for individual purchase.
• A version of these projects is included in my Middle School Genetics Workbook. Learn more about the workbook and see a video walkthrough.
• A huge bundle of genetics resources can be found in my TPT store and includes both projects.

Finding More Genetics Resources:

• My Middle School Genetics Workbook is filled with forty lessons (including versions of both of these projects) and is an ideal choice for homeschooling families.
• I have a ton of genetics resources in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. You can get both of these projects, along with many other genetics resources as part of the Genetics and Heredity Big Bundle.

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Middle School Genetics Workbook: A 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Life Science Homeschool Curriculum

Genetics is an interesting science topic for middle school students because it is so relevant to their own lives. Learning about genetics helps them gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the people they love most. From earwax type to toe shape, everyone carries visible examples of genetics in their own bodies. A solid foundation of genetics provides a useful perspective for examining medical matters and understanding how inherited traits and genetic disorders affect individual health. In addition, a strong grasp of genetics can lead to future careers in fields like medicine, agriculture, forensics, and biotechnology.

My Middle School Genetics Workbook introduces students to genetics in a fun, interesting, and unique way. Going way beyond a typical workbook, it includes experiments, activities, a project, and creative assignments. Topics consist of Gregor Mendel and his experiments, dominant and recessive alleles, genotype and phenotype, Punnett squares, homozygous and heterozygous, inherited and acquired traits, and codominance and incomplete dominance. The content is broken down in such a way that it is relatable and easy to understand.

Why you and your student will love this workbook:

• It is open and go.
• Few supplies are needed, making this a very affordable option. (A full workbook supply list found below.)
• In addition to the important real-life material, some fantasy elements are included such as goblins, unicorns, and monsters. This adds interest and a way to key in on specific, tricky topics that otherwise might quickly get overwhelming and frustrating. 
• All content is there—you won’t need to go searching for more material in order to understand what is in the book.
• It has wide appeal—students who love science and those who struggle with science will both get a lot out of this workbook. 
• A suggested pacing guide provides 40 days of lessons, plus it includes a two-page list of extension ideas to learn more.
• Quick assessments are sprinkled throughout to make sure any breakdowns in learning are caught and addressed early, preventing future frustration. 
• It is on Strictly Secular + Inclusive Homeschooling’s Recommended List.
• Answer keys are complete and detailed, making it easy to help your student.

Complete Supply List:

• The Middle School Genetics Workbook
• Scissors
• Glue stick (liquid glue is not advised)
• Crayons or colored pencils (markers are not advised)
• A coin or a free digital coin flip found online
• A four-sided die or a free random number generator of some sort (These four-sided bone dice are extra fun.)
• Craft supplies (optional and entirely dependent on the student’s model project)
• PTC paper test strips (typically less than $10 for a pack of 100 and available from online retailers—can be substituted with cilantro for a similar experiment)

Look below for a video walkthrough of the Middle School Genetics Workbook.

Learn more about my other science and writing workbooks for middle school students and get free samples from each of them.

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Free Homeschool Curriculum Samples for Middle School Writing and Science

As your child gets older it can be difficult to find quality materials to start or continue your homeschooling journey. Many times what's out there is geared toward younger learners, is incredibly expensive, isn't as advertised, or isn't a good match for your child. 

I am the author of several workbooks for homeschooling families. Each of the workbooks is affordably priced and contains quality material that is easy-to-implement and is actually interesting for the learner. All of my workbooks were reviewed and approved by Strictly Secular + Inclusive Homeschooling. Below, you will find information about the workbooks and find links to free samples from each of them. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Homeschool Writing Curriculum for Middle School: 5th and 6th Grade Writing

The Writing Workbook for 5th and 6th Grades is 111 pages long and begins with an introduction and practice of six literary devices. The included literary devices are alliteration, hyperbole, imagery, metaphors, onomatopoeia, and similes. Then students learn about and practice the four sentence structures. Independent and dependent clauses are explained so students can understand and properly use simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences in their writing. Students apply their understanding of these literary terms and sentence structures to complete a variety of writing prompts. There are 50 writing prompts, and each writing prompt includes two lined pages so students have plenty of room for their responses. 

The writing prompts include the following topics:

• Your Life (10 prompts)
• Favorites (6 prompts)
• Opinions (14 prompts)
• What would you do? (6 prompts)
• Summarization (4 prompts)
• Creative Writing (10 prompts)

Your free sample from the Writing Workbook for 5th and 6th Grades is one of the writing prompts from the Your Life section of the workbook. 

• Free Middle School Writing Prompt: How You Can Make the World a Better Place

This workbook is not a full curriculum, but it will make a great addition to your child's studies.

Homeschool Writing Curriculum for Middle School: 7th and 8th Grade Writing

The Writing Workbook for 7th and 8th Grades is 115 pages long and begins with an introduction and practice of alliteration, hyperbole, imagery, metaphors, onomatopoeia, similes, mood, tone, audience, and main idea. Then students learn about and practice the four sentence structures. Independent and dependent clauses are explained so students can understand and properly use simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences in their writing. Students apply their understanding of these literary terms and sentence structures to complete a variety of writing prompts. 

Similar to the Writing Workbook for 5th and 6th Grades, the Writing Workbook for 7th and 8th Grades also includes 50 writing prompts with two lined pages each for student responses. However, the writing prompts from this workbook are designed for older students who can handle a deeper level of thinking than they could in earlier middle school grades. Although both writing workbooks are similar in many ways, the 7th and 8th grade version is a clear step higher in its challenge level.

The writing prompts include the following topics:

• Your Life (10 prompts)
• Imagine If (10 prompts)
• Opinion (10 prompts)
• Inform and Explain (10 prompts)
• Creative Writing (10 prompts)

Your free sample from the Writing Workbook for 7th and 8th Grades is one of the writing prompts from the Creative Writing section of the workbook. 

• Free Creative Writing Prompt: You Pick Five

This workbook is not a full curriculum, but it will make a great addition to your child's studies.

Homeschool Science Curriculum for Middle School: Genetics Unit Study

The open-and-go Middle School Genetics Workbook is 176 pages long and includes a suggested pacing guide of forty days of lessons and includes ideas to extend learning beyond the workbook. It introduces genetics in a relatable and easy-to-understand way. Topics consist of Gregor Mendel and his experiments, dominant and recessive alleles, genotype and phenotype, Punnett squares, homozygous and heterozygous, inherited and acquired traits, and codominance and incomplete dominance. A variety of interesting worksheets, activities, a project, two experiments, assessments, and detailed answer keys are included.

The goal of the workbook is to introduce genetics in a fun way in order to develop a solid foundation for students to build upon. Genetics involves a lot of complicated vocabulary, so this workbook aims to break down each of the most important terms in a way that will be understood and remembered by students. The workbook includes many real life examples and also fantasy elements to boost interest and understanding. Look inside the book.

Necessary Workbook Supplies:

This genetics workbook requires minimal, inexpensive, and easy-to-find materials. Here is the complete supply list.

• Scissors
• Glue stick (liquid glue is not advised)
• Crayons or colored pencils (markers are not advised)
• A coin (or a digital coin flip found online)
• A four-sided die (or a random number generator of some sort)
• Craft supplies (optional and entirely dependent on the student’s model project)
• PTC paper test strips (typically less than $10 for a pack of 100 and available from online retailers—can be substituted with cilantro for a similar experiment)

Your free sample from the Middle School Genetics Workbook is the introductory reading and activity pages found at the beginning of this book.

• Free Genetics and Heredity Introduction Reading Comprehension Passage and Worksheets

Homeschool Science Curriculum for Middle School: Changes in States of Matter Unit Study

The Changes in States of Matter Physical Science Workbook is 62 pages long and includes a suggested pacing guide for a ten-day unit study. The workbook begins with a complete review of the states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas) and introduces the changes in states of matter (condensation, deposition, freezing, melting, sublimation, and vaporization) in a way that is relatable and easy to understand. It is logically organized to be a stress-free and fun science unit for both the child and the learning partner. The workbook includes a variety of interesting worksheets, activities, projects, a demonstration, and assessments. All answer keys are included and detailed; so even if science isn't a strength of yours, you will still be able to successfully assist your child.

Your free sample from the Changes in States of Matter Physical Science Workbook is a critical thinking assignment about the states of matter.

• Free States of Matter Odd One Out Critical Thinking Worksheet

This workbook makes an especially great unit study for 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students. Click here to learn more about this particular workbook. If you're not ready to commit to a workbook but still want your child to learn about this topic, please read my blog post about how to teach the changes in states of matter. 

Homeschool Science Curriculum for Middle School: Physical and Chemical Changes Unit Study

The Physical and Chemical Changes Science Workbook is 49 pages long and, just like the other science workbook, it has a suggested pacing guide for a ten-day unit study. The workbook begins with a reading passage that explains physical and chemical changes in a way that is straightforward and accessible to all. The workbook includes a variety of interesting worksheets, activities, experiments, a project, and an assessment. All answer keys are included and broken down for the learning partner. 

Your free sample from the Physical and Chemical Changes Science Workbook is a fun worksheet students would use at the beginning of this unit study or shortly after learning about physical and chemical changes.

• Free Physical and Chemical Changes Worksheet Activity

This workbook is a great unit study for middle school students. If using both of the science workbooks described in this blog post, use the Changes in States of Matter Physical Science Workbook first. 

Learn More

The Changes in States of Matter Physical Science Workbook and Physical and Chemical Changes Science Workbook were reviewed by Cathy Duffy. You can read her review here. All of the workbooks were reviewed and approved by Strictly Secular + Inclusive Homeschooling.

Here are more free resources you can use with your middle school aged child. Visit one of my online stores to find more quality resources for your child.

How to Teach the Changes in States of Matter to Middle School Science Students

Maybe you’re facing a classroom full of middle school science students and you’re ready to teach the changes in states of matter (also called phase changes). Or maybe you’re a parent or caregiver who is looking to provide extra science support or a homeschooling science unit for your child. This blog post is designed to walk you through an age-appropriate unit on the changes in states of matter so you can successfully teach your 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th grade science student(s). 

What are the changes in states of matter?

When matter moves from one state to another it is called a change in state of matter or a phase change. Changes in state happen when the energy level increases or decreases. This can happen when the temperature goes up or down or when the amount of pressure on an object changes. Changes in states of matter are physical changes. The changes in states of matter include melting, freezing, vaporization, condensation, sublimation, and deposition.

What prior knowledge do students need to have before beginning a unit on the changes in states of matter?

To understand the changes in states of matter, students need to understand the definitions of matter, mass, and volume. Even more importantly, they need to understand the particle movement and defining characteristics of solids, liquids, and gases. Here are the key things students need to know about each of these states of matter.

• Solids have a definite shape and a definite volume. That means they keep their shape and size regardless of where they are located. The particles in a solid are closely packed in a fixed position, which is why solids have a definite shape and volume. The particles in a solid vibrate but do not move around from place to place. 
• A liquid has a definite volume but does not have a definite shape. That means liquids take up a set amount of space but do not have a shape of their own—they either spread into a puddle or take the shape of their container. The particles in a liquid are closely packed. They vibrate, move around, and slide past each other.
• A gas does not have a definite shape or a definite volume. This means the size and shape of a gas can change. Gas particles can spread out far and wide or squeeze tightly together to fill a container. The particles in a gas vibrate and move freely at high speeds. 

Middle school students should already be familiar with the information about solids, liquids, and gases bulleted above. However, due to a whole host of circumstances, this isn’t usually the case. If you’re fairly certain you have a group of unicorn students who already know all there is to know about the states of matter, give them a quick states of matter preassessment. If they do well on the preassessment, then you know they’re ready to get down to business with melting, freezing, vaporization, condensation, sublimation, and deposition. 

If your students are ponies instead of unicorns, read the next section for what you can do to learn or refresh those building blocks of states of matter information. 

How can I teach or review the states of matter?

A direct way to review or teach the basics is to provide a States of Matter Informational Text Reading Comprehension Passage and Worksheet. Sometimes that's all your students need to be refreshed and ready to rock. 

For your more movement-oriented students, you can do hand motions for each of the states of matter. A solid can be modeled with a student's fists pressed together at the wrists, gently vibrating and tapping each other. A liquid can be modeled with a student's fists doing close circles around each other. A gas can be modeled with a student's fists going way apart and coming back together and circling around and generally making a whole lot of movement. (Watch out classmates!)

Sometimes you need a practice assignment to reinforce the material. In that case, here are two easy-to-incorporate resources.

• The States of Matter Worksheet is a straightforward one-page assignment designed to review and practice the most important concepts.
• The Free States of Matter Odd One Out Worksheet is a critical thinking assignment that will challenge your students to dig deeper into the material and find similarities and differences between the three covered states of matter. It's awesome, and it's free. 

Assess whether or not your students are ready to get to the changes in states of matter by using the preassessment mentioned above as a States of Matter Quiz.

What do my students need to know about the changes in states of matter?

Here are some of the basics you will want to be sure to include in your changes in states of matter unit. You'll also want to include examples of each phase change.

• Changes in pressure and temperature can alter energy levels. The change in energy level can cause matter to change state.
• Melting is a change from a solid to a liquid. When something melts, the particles move faster and break free from their fixed positions. 
• Freezing is a change from a liquid to a solid. When freezing occurs, the particles in a liquid slow down enough to form regular patterns. 
• Vaporization is a change from a liquid to a gas. The particles in a liquid gain enough energy to form a gas. Boiling and evaporation are both types of vaporization, but they have key differences. Boiling occurs throughout the liquid and happens quickly. Evaporation takes place only on the surface of a liquid and is a slower process.
• Condensation is a change from a gas to a liquid. Condensation happens when the particles in a gas lose enough energy to form a liquid. 
• Sublimation is a change from a solid to a gas. Sublimation happens when the particles in a solid gain enough energy to form a gas. The liquid state is skipped in this change. 
• Deposition is a change from a gas to a solid. Deposition happens when the particles in a gas lose enough energy to form a solid. The liquid state is skipped in this change. 

I'm ready. My students are ready. How do I introduce the changes in states of matter?

To begin your unit on phase changes you need to introduce the new material (the information in the bulleted points in the section above). Depending on your style and your students needs, you can do this via video, interactive notebook pages, PowerPoint or Google Slides, or a Changes in States of Matter Reading Comprehension Passage.

I personally prefer to begin with a combination of PowerPoint, lecture, and interactive notebook pages. I've used this Changes in States of Matter Interactive Notebook and PowerPoint set with my students for years. Read about setting up and using interactive notebooks in your classroom.

Once you have introduced the changes in states of matter content, your students will need a LOT of practice to reinforce and absorb it all.

I need a change in states of matter worksheet. What's out there?

I think worksheets have a place in education, especially if they aren't the typical boring ones you know you did but can't remember from your childhood. Here's a list of changes in states of matter worksheets you may want to incorporate into your unit.

• This Changes in States of Matter Worksheet is two pages long and is composed of three different sections that hit on different styles of learning and understanding.
• The Changes in States of Matter Odd One Out is a critical thinking assignment that will really challenge your students' understanding. I LOVE Odd One Outs, and, honestly, my students do, too. They're more like a puzzle or game than a worksheet, and they promote great student discussions. Here's information about using Odd One Out style questions in all subjects.
• The Changes in States of Matter Coloring Worksheet is fun because it has coloring, but it also asks students important "How do you know that's the right answer?" kind of questions. 

I think worksheets are lame. What changes in states of matter ACTIVITIES can I use?

Yes, it's science. Let's do the fun stuff. Here's a list of activities you can include in your changes in states of matter unit. 

• Here is a detailed blog post with directions for a changes in states of matter experiment or demonstration you can do with your students. It has minimal (and easy-to-find!) supplies. Personally, I did this as a demonstration instead of a hand-on experiment because it involves boiling water and my seventh graders weren't always the most cautious or safety-minded. 
• Are you familiar with Boom Learning? If you care, here are some Changes in States of Matter Digital Task Cards you can use on the Boom website.
• Stations! My students and I love stations! Use this set of 22 Changes in States of Matter Stations to practice the material of this unit. If you've never used stations, or never used them successfully, please read this information to make stations run smoothly in even your wildest classroom.
• A Changes in States of Matter Card Sorting Activity is a fun and easy way for students to interact with the material. Going beyond sorting definitions and examples and particle drawings, have your students explain how each card represents its specific change in state of matter.

How do I wrap up my changes in states of matter unit?

Two ways you can conclude your phase change unit are a traditional written assessment or a creative project (or both).

• If you are short on time or just prefer a written assessment, you can use this quick Changes in States of Matter Assessment.
• If you have more time and/or like to mix some creativity into your science classroom, you can wrap things up with a student project. I like to give my seventh grade students the option of creating a Changes in States of Matter Poster or a Changes in States of Matter Comic.

I'm a classroom teacher. Is there a way to bundle the resources mentioned in this blog so I can save some dough?

Yes, you can get these resources in two different money-saving ways.

• The Changes in States of Matter Bundle is heavily discounted and contains many of the resources mentioned in this blog post.
• I offer Custom Bundles in my TPT store, where you can build your own bundle of the resources of your choosing. The number of resources you select determines whether you save 20%, 25%, or 30%.

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I need resources for homeschooling. Do you have anything specifically for students learning outside of a traditional classroom environment?

Yes! I published my Changes in States of Matter Workbook on Amazon. It is an entire homeschooling science unit designed with 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students in mind. Learn more about my workbook in this blog post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Read Cathy Duffy's thorough review of my Changes in States of Matter Workbook and also my Physical and Chemical Changes Workbook.