Give students a fast, hands-on genetics investigation: simulate beetle heredity, change only the parent genotypes, and use Punnett squares to predict and compare offspring outcomes. With print-and-cut genotype cards and clear scaffolds, students run multiple monohybrid crosses, extend to one dihybrid, calculate ratios, and communicate findings with a CER.

What’s Included

• Teacher Guide: setup, timing, how to run 4–5 traits with Parent Genotype Cards, common pitfalls & quick fixes (genotype vs phenotype, labeling grid edges, probability ≠ guarantee).
• Student Packet: trait table (A–E), step-by-step for drawing Parent 1/Parent 2, Punnett grids, genotype/phenotype ratio tables, one dihybrid (AaBb × AaBb).
• Parent Genotype Cards: five mini-decks (A/a, B/b, C/c, D/d, E/e) to draw parent genotypes for each trait.
• Analysis & CER: six questions plus a CER prompt linking parent genotypes → offspring phenotypes.
• Rubric: experimental design, Punnett accuracy, graphing/communication, CER quality, collaboration & safety.

Why Teachers Love It

• Truly print-and-go with visual scaffolds and ready-made genotype decks
• Builds core skills: variables, probability, Punnett squares, ratios, graphing, CER
• Flexible pacing: monohybrid only or quick dihybrid extension
• Easy to differentiate: assign specific traits, vary number of crosses, or use pre-filled grids

➡️ You can get this STEM as well as all my other ones in this series inside my STEM Investigations Growing Bundle. As more labs are added, the price will increase. CLICK HERE to have a look

Best For

Life Science / Genetics unit; heredity, probability, and data & graphing; stations, enrichment, or sub plans.

Materials Needed

Printed Parent Genotype Cards (A–E) and Student Packet, colored pencils/markers, scissors, tape/glue.

Estimated Timing:

1 class period for 4–5 monohybrid crosses + ratios + CER; add 15–20 minutes for the dihybrid grid and discussion.

➡️ You can get this activity inside my STEM Investigations Growing Bundle.

I also have the following STEM Labs in My Store:

• Blow Cup Challenge STEM Lab
• Paper Table STEM Lab
• Pendulum STEM Lab
• Parachute STEM Lab
• Catapult STEM Lab
• Paper Airplane - Angle of Attack STEM Lab
• Bottle Flip STEM Lab
• Paper Helicopter STEM Lab
• Yeast Balloon STEM Lab
• Balloon Lift Design STEM Lab
• Candy Combustion Calorimetry STEM
• Marble Ramp: Height vs Average Speed STEM Lab
• Clean Water Filtration STEM Lab
• Beetle Genetics STEM Lab
• Adaptations by Design - Extreme Environments STEM Lab

NGSS alignment

• MS-LS3-1, MS-LS3-2 (genes & probability of traits);
• Practices: Planning & Carrying Out Investigations; Analyzing & Interpreting Data; Using Mathematics & Computational Thinking; Constructing Explanations; Engaging in Argument from Evidence.