Research data necessary for meaningful review of grade ten high school genetics curricula

Grade 10 high school students' understanding of the mechanisms of inheritance was explored following a course of instruction. A partially standardized interview procedure was developed based on inheritance concepts and propositions which were considered necessary for an understanding of inheritance. Concepts and propositions that were understood, not understood, or misunderstood were identified. Analysis of interviews from 48 students revealed several important implications for science curriculum writers and science teachers of grade 10 genetics topics.