Inherited Traits Monsters

Need some more hands on science in your classroom?

Are you struggling to teach hands on science during this unprecedented time for teachers? Then, I am glad to know I am not alone!

This is my second year teaching fifth grade in Georgia and I absolutely ADORE the curriculum! The social studies and science have been so enjoyable to dive into and plan. But, teaching it seems to be falling short. The days of hands-on projects and team experiences have been put on pause with Covid and I have struggled to find ways to keep my kiddos engaged!

When we started inherited and acquired traits, I was watching my five year old son doodle some monsters in his sketchbook and suddenly knew I had an answer!   Thankfully, I am married to an amazingly talented artist and before he knew what could hit him, there I was with a sticky note request for monster clipart!  A few days of work later, we had brought my idea to life!  

The entire fifth grade tried out this activity and it was a great success!  The kids were super engaged and interested in the lesson.  Who doesn’t love flipping quarters on their desk?  They were able to be creative and most importantly, they truly deepened their understanding of inherited traits.

Create your own baby monster with dominant and recessive traits!

This activity includes everything you need for each student to create their own baby monster to be compared to the mom and dad monster. I have yet to have any monster babies with the exact same traits. It made for some fantastic realizations and conversations!

My favorite feature of this activity is that it gives the students free reign to decide if they want to rely on their own artistic abilities or use the pre-created clipart to build their monster.  Being married to an artist, I understand the frustration of not being able to make something look the way it does in my head!  I had a great mix of kids who chose to cut out the clipart to create their monster, and those who were confident enough to use their own art skills.  Both groups had wonderful creations!  Check these out.  

This activity is printable and digital activity!  I hope your students enjoy it as much as mine did.

Emmy