Students learn about dominant and recessive traits by solving a mystery game based on family genetics. They can simulate Punnett squares, track inheritance, and build trait profiles.
Preparation & Flow
Trait Trivia Warm-up (10 mins)
Students take a mini quiz and mark inherited traits to refresh their knowledge (e.g., widow’s peak, dimples, rolling tongue).
CSI Genetic Mystery (20-30 mins)
Groups are given a fictional case (e.g., identify a family member using traits). Use Punnett squares to work out probabilities.
Trait Map Creation (20 mins)
Using Freeform, map out a family tree and their respective genetic traits.
Sharing and Presentation (10 mins)
Each group explains their reasoning for their answers. Teachers summarise genetic inheritance concepts and reveal answers.
Possible Extensions
• Compare different acids and bases, linking to concepts of concentration, basicity, and strength of acids.• Build a real class family tree of traits.
• Groundwork to introduce genetic disorders in Sec 4; the game can be adapted to find a carrier of a disease.
From the LearnGrowCreate Team
Main author: Sharon
Attach up to 5 files which will be available for other members to download.