Pigeonetics | Online Genetics Game
Overview
Pigeonetics is an interactive and fun way to explore and visualize how genetics works. Students can try to solve 26 mini pigeon-breeding puzzles that explain key concepts of Mendelian inheritance.
Materials
- Optional: Student worksheet, fillable pdf
Resources
Pacing
Suggested Pacing
Day 1 – intro to Pigeonetics + student exploration
Pacing w/ Teacher Notes
Day 1 - During our genetics unit, I’ve used Pigeonetics as a fun way to introduce Punnett squares. Alternatively, it can also be an ungraded review/challenge game for students to do if they finish assignments early.
If using Piegeonetics as an introductory game: I introduce the topic with warmup questions, such as “What do you think traits are?” and “Why do you think babies look like their parents?” After a brief discussion, we transition into exploring Pigeonetics. Students can play this game by themselves or with a partner.
After about 20 minutes, we review patterns we noticed as a class and write some of them on the board. If we use the worksheet, we review some of the answers together before starting the unit.
Credits: University of Utah, GSLC. Cover photo by Max Berger via Unsplash
