Study on Learning of Heredity for Lower Secondary School Students : Validity of egg color of silkworm "Bombyx mori" as Teaching Materials

Abstract

In this study, we focused on egg color of silkworm "Bombyx mori" as teaching materials of heredity and held classes for lower secondary school students. We discussed effectiveness of the teaching materials based on students' awareness and the examination results. As a result, the teaching materials were found to be effective in three aspects of increased learning motivation that includes understanding of learning content, consciousness for life (recognition of life continuity and mystery), and attitude of valuing life. Especially, regarding the understanding of learning content, those aspects were also effective to help the students to have the sense of purpose, to find and understand heredity regularity, to understand heredity equally passed from both parents, and to understand probabilistic nature of heredity.