Heredity, or the passing of characteristics from one generation to the next, is a concept that humans have used for thousands of years as we’ve cultivated crops and selectively bred animals. But the first formal genetic study was undertaken by a monk named Gregor Mendel in the middle of the 19th Century. Mendel bred peas and noticed he could cross-pollinate them in certain ways to get green or yellow seeds. Today, the field of genetics is breaking new ground searching for new ways to treat disease or develop crops more resistant to insects or drought.

Empower your students to learn about genetics with this collection of resources.