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How can you tell a boy chromosome from a girl chromosome? You look in their genes. Even though I couldn't share this science joke with my fourth grade students, it would be a motivating lead-in to my lesson today on genes, heredity, and traits. We took a poll in the class to see who could roll their tongue, had attached ear lobes, and had a hitchhiker thumb. Then we had a lively discussion on the traits of our parents. The children were really interested in genes and traits. One student even wanted to know if there is a gene for muscles. Even if there was a muscle gene, it would still require working out to get strong. That began a short explanation on the nature vs. nurture debate. Traits and genetics can't change; you are born with them. Yet, our future depends on how we use what we're given.
Teaching in the public school has an impact on my Christian faith. In teaching about simple genetics, it is utterly amazing how the human body was created. It is mind-boggling how everything is so perfectly in tune. The genetic code enables us to carry on the legacy of our fathers and mothers in a physical way. Our Christian charge is to carry on the legacy of faithfulness in a spiritual way. We may be able to pass on a rolled tongue, brown eyes, or curly hair. But what's really important is passing on our faith and spirituality to our children. Their genetic code will last for this lifetime, but their saving faith will last for eternity.

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