Genetics and Inheritance using Spore
Using an interactive approach to understanding inheritance patterns, this activity tasks students with creating a genetic pattern of inheritance with dominant and recessive traits for a fictional species of their design. Students will cross create two members of their species in Spore, cross them, and then create their offspring in Spore.
Materials:
conference_student_sheet_revised.docx | |
File Size: | 79 kb |
File Type: | docx |
teacher_instruction_sheet_revised.docx | |
File Size: | 885 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Spore (full game) for purchase
Spore Creature Creator Trial
Spore (online game)
How this activity was adapted...
This activity is easily accessible to English language learning students. The worksheet uses simple and direct terminology and vocabulary; with “remember” sections that define or describe key terms. The Spore program side of the activity itself is very visual, and only requires basic technology literacy to operate. Even though are few words and the terminology is unimportant to this activity, the program can be operated in multiple languages (though this is difficult and requires file modification). The genetics and inheritance content is also symbolically depicted using letters, making understanding a little easier for English language learners. Finally, the activity is hands-on and fun. This activity makes use of an entertaining and visually striking game that appeals to all students (and adults and teachers), while making great use of available 21st century technology.