1. 5th Grade Inherited Traits Project

June 1, 2007 URL: Rating: Strong Points: Useful software Weak Points: Too little information at site Summary: Looking to locate a gene on a particular chromosome linked to a specific trait? As a biologist, you undoubtedly know that you will need to employ genetic linkage analysis to pinpoint the little critter. The statistical approach used to associate functionality with chromosomal location is best handled by computer. So, to the rescue comes the Genetic Linkage Analysis Project with its Superlink tool. With functions that include analysis of general pedigrees, analysis of two-locus traits, analysis of autosomal or sex-linked traits, maximum likelihood haplotyping analysis, and analysis of complex traits, Superlink is a geneticist’s best friend. The website is primarily a place to download the software, though it also contains some operating instructions, references, and simple descriptions of the software operation.

The genetic traits topic is fascinating to a number of diverse groups. We have used other versions of parts of this activity with students as young as 10 or with both.

5th Grade Inherited Traits Project

Versions of the program (currently at 1.6) are available for Mac OS X, Windows, Sun, and Linux.