8th Grade Science

Comprehensive study of physical, life, and Earth sciences with scientific inquiry.

Scientific Inquiry and the Scientific MethodMatter and Its PropertiesCells: The Building Blocks of LifeEarth’s Structure and Plate Tectonics
Forces, Motion, and Newton’s LawsGenetics and HeredityWeather, Climate, and Human Impact
Science in Your KitchenEnvironmental StewardshipCitizen Science and Community Projects
Breaking Down Complex ProblemsUsing Diagrams and Visual Aids
Scientific Inquiry a...Matter and Its Prope...Cells: The Building ...Earth’s Structure an...Forces, Motion, and ...Genetics and Heredit...Weather, Climate, an...Science in Your Kitc...Environmental Stewar...Citizen Science and ...Breaking Down Comple...Using Diagrams and V...
Advanced Topics

Genetics and Heredity

How Traits Are Passed Down

Genetics is the study of how living things inherit traits from their parents. Heredity is the process of passing these traits on.

DNA and Genes

  • DNA: The molecule that contains instructions for building all living things.
  • Genes: Sections of DNA that control specific traits, like eye color or blood type.

Dominant and Recessive Traits

Some traits are dominant (more likely to show up) and some are recessive (hidden unless both parents pass it on).

Why It Matters

Genetics helps us understand diseases, create better crops, and even solve crimes!

Cool Fact

You share about 99.9% of your DNA with every other human!

Examples

  • Brown eyes are often dominant over blue eyes.

  • Genetic testing can identify inherited diseases.

In a Nutshell

Genetics explains why you look like your family and how traits are inherited.

Key Terms

Gene
A segment of DNA that determines a specific trait.
Dominant
A trait that will appear if one parent passes it on.
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Weather, Climate, and Human Impact