Probability
Probability theory uses mathematics to measure the likelihood of something happening. Probability theory may be applied in many areas, including genetics.
Materials for Probability
Articles/Research
Independent Assortment and Probability
Description: A well illustrated article explaining how to determine the likelihood that a squab (baby pigeon) will have a crest of feathers on its head.
- Source: Genetics Science Learning Center at the University of Utah
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- URL: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/pigeons/probability/
Games
DNA Roulette
Description: This odds game makes learning about the probabilistic nature of genomics a blast. Unlike traditional roulette where the betting table and odds are always the same, DNA Roulettes odds are different for each disease or trait. Even within a disease, the odds are different depending on which of several possible genotypes is randomly selected by the game engine for that round.
- Source: Michigan State University
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- URL: http://gel.msu.edu/DNAroulette/more.html
Interactive Tutorials
Punnett Squares
Description: An interactive Punnett square activity
- Source: McGraw-Hill Higher Education
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- URL: http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/virtual_labs/BL_05/BL_05.html
Teacher Resources
Basic Probability and Chi-Squared Tests (Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: An expert authored advanced in-class exercise teaching critical skills for classic genetic analysis, including probability, making predictions, and assessment.
- Source: Genetics Society of America
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- URL: http://www.genetics-gsa.org/education/GSAPREP.2013.005.shtml
Mendelian Genetics, Probability, Pedigree, and Chi-Square Statistics (Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: A lesson that requires students to work through a series of questions pertaining to the genetics of sickle cell disease and its relationship to malaria. These questions will probe students' understanding of Mendelian genetics, probability, pedigree analysis, and chi-square statistics.
- Source: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
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- URL: https://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/mendelian-genetics-probability-pedigree-and-chi-square-statistics
The Probabilities of Problems: A Look at Inheritance (Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: Students learn how to calculate the the probabilities of passing on certain genetic disorders and then evaluate case studies involving genetic testing.
- Source: PBS & WGBH Educational Foundation
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- URL: http://www.pbs.org/inthebalance/archives/ourgenes/lesson_probabilities.html
Video
What are the Chances?
Description: A captivating video introduction to probability, using math to make predictions.
- Source: Genetics Science Learning Center at the University of Utah
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- URL: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/math/chances/