Fruit Fly Genetics (Flash Version)
From VitalWiki
This experiment is a faithful copy of the Second Life game Fruit Fly Genetics. As such, it teaches the same concepts and attempts to do so in the same manner but working around the limitations of flash.
Contents |
Lesson Plan
- This module can be run from inside a browser requiring little computer resources.
- Drawn from the middle school standards that involve heredity.
How to play
Upon opening the game, students must click "Enter the Lab" and then follow the instructions on screen. These instructions are presented in a Heads Up Display (HUD) just like the Second Life version. All interaction between the student and the experiment are through this HUD.
Experiment Directions: After the pretest is completed the students students will see introductory vocabulary words to help them through the experiment. Next they will choose colors for their fruit fly's body and eye colors. These values should be filled in on their worksheet(provided below) so they can fill out their punnett square. They will then be given flies that they will breed to produce the offspring. Once they are to the step of dividing the flies in the tray the students must count the number of flies for each trait. How well they are at this task is what their score depends on. Once they are done counting they will see a graph appear showing the actual values. This data should be recorded on their worksheet for each trait. Once they have completed this process for each characteristic of the fly they are able to do a second generation from the offspring produced which will step them through the same process but they will receive different results depending on the flies they use.
Controls
The mouse is used for all interactions.
High Score System
This game utilizes the High Score System. The scores are displayed in game and can also be viewed online at the score database.
Life Sciences
Grades 6-8 Benchmark B: Describe the characteristics of an organism in terms of a combination of inherited traits and recognize reproduction as a characteristic of living organisms essential to the continuation of the species.
Grade 6 Indicator 4: Recognize that an individual organism does not live forever; therefore reproduction is necessary for the continuation of every species and traits are passed on to the next generation through reproduction. Indicator 7: Recognize that likeness between parents and offspring (e.g., eye color, flower color) are inherited. Other likenesses, such as table manners are learned.
Grade 8 Indicator 2: recognize that in sexual reproduction new combination's of traits are produced which may increase or decrease an organism's chances for survival
After using the module
- Post-test is built into the HUD to start upon completion of the experiment.
Pre and Post Questions
The Pre-test and Post-test are in the game and will be asked during play.
Contact
For further questions about this module, please contact its creator Stephen Carroll.
Downloads
This game is played in a web browser (such as Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc.). There is no need to download the game separately. The game can be accessed here.
