Heredity and Probability – Punnett Square Math and Science Activity

Middle school students use beans to simulate gene inheritance in this combined math and science activity on heredity and probability.

How it works

In this hands-on simulation, students use black and white beans to model the inheritance of genes for feather color in imaginary owls. The activity integrates key concepts from both math and science, and it teaches students the difference between theoretical and experimental probability.

It is a collaborative activity that encourages teamwork and discussion among students. Run it as classwork, as a lab, or as a group activity.

What’s included

• Simulation instructions: a detailed, step-by-step guide for setting up and conducting the activity
• Materials list
• Student worksheets: activity sheets and data tables for recording results
• Discussion questions that push critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the concepts
• Answer key with the correct answers for the questions, which keeps grading simple

Materials needed

Black beans and white beans. A materials list is included with the instructions.

Quick facts

• Topic: heredity, theoretical probability and experimental probability
• Grades: 6–8
• CCSS: 7.SP.C.5, 7.SP.C.6, 7.SP.C.7, 7.SP.C.7a, 7.SP.C.7b
• Answer key: included

All science content was written by Jill, otherwise known as Utah Roots. Visit the Utah Roots store for more science activities.

Free resources

Get my free Warm Up Slides templates.

Terms of use

By purchasing this product, you own a license for one teacher only for personal use in their own classroom. Licenses are non-transferable and therefore can not be passed from one teacher to another. If the teacher who purchased this license leaves the classroom or changes schools, the license and materials leave with that teacher. No part of this resource is to be shared with colleagues or used by an entire team, grade level, school or district without purchasing the correct number of licenses. If you are a coach, principal or district interested in transferable licenses that would accommodate yearly staff changes, please contact me for a transferable license quote at lindsay@beyondtheworksheet.com.

© Beyond the Worksheet. Please note – all material included in this resource belongs to Beyond the Worksheet Inc. By purchasing, you have a license to use the material but you do not own the material. You may not upload any portion of this resource to the internet in any format, including school/personal websites or network drives unless the site is password protected and can only be accessed by students, not other teachers or anyone else on the internet.