Year 7 · Science · beta

Heredity and DNA

This unit examines the transmission of genetic information through heredity, how scientific methods evolve with new evidence, the importance of publishing and peer review, and the Study of DNA, chromosomes, and genes while developing lab skills focusing on safety.

This is an attributed Oak National Academy lesson sequence, not a completed or academically approved DASKEREL course. Supporting transcripts may depend on video, images, practical equipment or teacher explanation. Follow each lesson’s supervision guidance. For religious education and RSHE, follow the school’s syllabus, policy and safeguarding procedures.

This Oak index uses an earlier export and lists 6 source lessons. DASKEREL has 7 original lessons for this unit, including 1 linked to source lessons absent from that export. Read the full DASKEREL unit.

Prior knowledge

  • [Y5] Reproduction is part of the life cycle of all living things.
  • [Y6] Living things, including animals and plants, produce offspring of the same kind.
  • [Y6] Characteristics are passed from parents to their offspring.
  • [Y6] Offspring are similar to their parents, but normally offspring vary and are not identical to their parents.
  • All organisms are made up of cells.
  • The cells of animals and plants have a nucleus that stores genetic material.
  • The genetic material provides instructions for growth and other life processes.

Source curriculum references

  • Understand that scientific methods and theories develop as earlier explanations are modified to take account of new evidence and ideas, together with the importance of publishing results and peer review
  • Use appropriate techniques, apparatus, and materials during fieldwork and laboratory work, paying attention to health and safety
  • Heredity as the process by which genetic information is transmitted from one generation to the next
  • A simple model of chromosomes, genes and DNA in heredity, including the part played by Watson, Crick, Wilkins and Franklin in the development of the DNA model

Oak source metadata. DASKEREL has not independently verified school-level coverage.

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