Year 10 Science · Unit 1 · Lesson 20

Unit Synthesis and Depth Study Preparation

Challenge Worksheet

Name

Date

Class

Learning Goals

Identify and correct five errors that span all major themes of Unit 1.
Demonstrate mastery of unit content by writing accurate corrections with specific evidence.
Apply critical thinking to evaluate claims about genetic technologies and their impact on Australian society.

Go Deeper

Find the mistakes

Each statement below contains a scientific error. Identify the error and write the correct version.

Incorrect statement	What is wrong	Correct version
"mRNA vaccines work by entering the cell nucleus and permanently altering the patient's DNA sequence."
"A Punnett square predicts exactly how many offspring will have a given genotype, for example, if 3 out of 4 are predicted to be dominant, then 3 out of every 4 actual offspring will always have the dominant phenotype."
"Homologous structures, such as the bird wing and insect wing, are evidence of convergent evolution, because unrelated species independently evolved the same structure."
"Any mutation that occurs in a skin cell will be passed on to the person's children, changing their DNA."
"Australia's unique fauna, with 85% of mammal species found nowhere else, is evidence against evolution, because it shows that species did not change from a common ancestor."

Show What You Know

1. Choose one of the five incorrect statements above and explain in detail why someone might believe the misconception, what makes it seem plausible, and why the correct scientific explanation is different.

Challenge 3 marks

2. Which genetic technology covered in this unit will have the greatest impact on Australian society in the next 20 years? Justify your choice using evidence and reasoning.

Challenge 4 marks

Wrap Up

Which genetic technology will have the greatest impact on Australian society in the next 20 years? Justify your choice in 3 lines.