Genetics Factors that Influence Growth Lab – Cat Paws

This NGSS MS-LS1-5 Genetics Factors that Influence Growth Lab is an easy way for kids to see for themselves how a genetic factor directly affects the growth of an organism. And there’s an engaging hook… students will be counting the number of “toe beans” on cat paws in this fun paper lab! They’ll use this data, along with other information in a provided data table, to make a claim about whether double paws in cats are influenced by the cat’s environment or genetics. In this activity, students will: READ background information about polydactyly (“double paws”) in cats. COUNT AND RECORD the number of digital pads on different cats (images provided). EVALUATE A DATA TABLE that includes many factors about each cat. Make a CLAIM based on EVIDENCE about which factors from the data table influenced the development of double paws in cats. ANSWER follow-up questions. Materials Required: You’ll need one class set of color copies of the cat paw images; 1 page per student, pair, or group, depending on how you’re having them do the lab. Save the number of copies you have to make! Make one class set of the images and reuse them class-to-class! Teacher Notes: A suggested answer key is included. This Genetics Factors that Influence Growth Lab is not editable. You can also shop our TPT store! Related Standard: NGSS MS-LS1-5: Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.