Genetics: Autosomal Recessive Inheritance Punnett squares & Pedigree worksheet

I use this worksheet with my students to review the genetics inheritance pattern called Autosomal recessive. There are four story problems in this worksheet where students will analyze fictional families, create Punnett squares and pedigrees, and determine probabilities of healthy children based on the results of the Punnett square. Too many worksheets that accompany textbooks seem to focus on Punnett squares that deal with Mendel and his pea plants. But I think we as teachers need to connect genetics to real life examples. Predicting flower color and seed color are nice, but out of touch with real life. But predicting the healthy of unborn children is how to make genetics relevant with your students. This worksheet gives examples of autosomal recessive inheritance using cystic fibrosis, albinism, and PKU as examples.

You will want to teach your students how to create pedigrees before giving this worksheet. I have another lesson to help teach pedigrees for sale if you are interested.

There are four files with this download:
1) Worksheet in Microsoft Word
2) Worksheet in Abode PDF
3) Answer key in Microsoft Word
4) Answer key in Abode PDF

Key words:
Genetics
Mendel
Heredity
Autosome
DNA
Punnett
Dominant
Recessive
Inheritance
Pedigree
Disorders