Human Reproduction and Heredity

Unit Overview

This Unit will introduce the basic concepts of human reproduction and heredity. The genetic material, DNA, within the body cells carries the instructions for defining the different traits of a living organism. Reproduction is an essential life process that leads to the formation of a new life. Through reproduction, new individuals with traits similar to their parents are formed. The passing of traits from generation to generation is called heredity. The overarching concept “change and constancy” can be exemplified in the process involved in heredity. In tandem, through learning about the formation of life and its related processes, students can gain an understanding of the mysteries of life, thereby developing proper values of cherishing and respecting life. Through different learning activities, such as constructing a DNA model to demonstrate the double helix structure as well as base pairing of DNA and performing practical work to extract DNA from fruit and vegetable samples, students can develop practical manipulative skills and enhance their understanding of constructing scientific models. By conducting a class survey on continuous and discontinuous variation and presenting the data in tables and charts, students can strengthen their data processing skills. Besides, teachers can design appropriate learning and teaching activities to facilitate students’ development and mastery of the following skills: a) using tables and graphs for data analysis b) observing carefully to discern the order in which events take place c) extracting and suitably organising relevant information from reliable sources d) organising the claim, evidence and reasoning clearly in scientific discussions e) reflecting on and consolidating scientific concepts through scientific discussions to enhance understanding of the concepts f) distinguishing between fact, myth and belief, and making informed decisions based on evidence g) evaluating the impact of various application of scientific discoveries on society h) thinking critically about the scientific information obtained from the media from scientific, i) ethical and social perspectives.