Review for:Genetics Web Lab Directory

posted: on December 22, 2007 at 12:15PM

basic mendelian genetics

Meiosis

To allow students to understand the role of meiosis as a mechanism for the distribution of genetic material and to evaluate the effects of meiosis on providing genetic variability for living organisms.

Intro or Regular

I developed a companion worksheet for the web-based activity that allowed students to interact, observe, and "try out" meiosis in a fun and creative way. In the activity, students manipulated animated dragons, to produce offspring that presented several phenotypic characters. The activity progressed from simple to more complex, thus allowing development of ideas and concepts in a way that was attainable for most students. The site offered strong reinforcement of terms, concepts and topic-based ideas to enhance student understanding.

Provides visualization or animation, Increases modeling skills, Provides access to data sets, Increases data collection & analysis skills, Provides a virtual lab, Provides practice or tutorial, Provides assessment opportunity, Increases student engagement and motivation

The site offers many opportunities for students to practice and explore genetics. One unique feature about the activity was that it varies for each student. This characteristic further enhances and supports the concept of genetic variability. It avoids the peril of the "cookie-cutter" animation where the result is always the same. Creative teachers could utilize at least some of these activities within the classroom using laptops or ActivBoards.

Although the site offered a large selection of interactive activities, it lacked teacher support items like companion worksheets. It appears that this may be a work-in-progress as links exist to these items but little or nothing is actually present.

updated: on December 22, 2007 at 12:20PM