11 TOOLS

Great Heredity and Genetics Games and Websites

Starting with the cell and working toward evolution, the study of genetics offers students insights into the inner workings of their bodies, their health, and the interconnectedness of life. When students consider the traits that make them unique, it opens the door for self-reflection and gives teachers the opportunity to have authentic ethical discussions around stem cells, cloning, and gene therapy. Whether students complete simple Punnett Squares or extract DNA in a virtual lab, these tools help students make sense of where they came from.

DNA Play

Adorable open-ended genetics app gives students mutation power

Bottom Line: Engaging DNA app will keep younger students' attention while they build a foundation of biology knowledge.

Grades: Pre-K–5
Price:
Paid

Edheads

Realistic, appealing simulations deliver superb science content

Bottom Line: Definitely one for your “love it” list, the site helps kids simulate science and engineering career activities while covering related content.

Grades: 3–12
Price:
Free

Gizmos

Vast array of impressive, interactive science and math simulations

Bottom Line: This powerful and extensive set of math and science tools puts the learning in students' hands.

Grades: 3–12
Price:
Free to try

Spore

Kids play mad scientists to design fantastic creatures

Bottom Line: Spore is a great game for digital creation and design, wherein kids experiment with biological adaptation.

Grades: 4–12
Price:
Paid

Tyto Online

Ambitious science role-playing game has bright future

Bottom Line: Diverse characters, immersive experiences, and useful teacher tools make this life science RPG worth checking out.

Grades: 6–8
Price:
Free to try

The Concord Consortium

Vast collection of science resources emphasizes written reflection

Bottom Line: A selection of online science simulations paired with a teacher dashboard to track progress.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

Learn.Genetics

Dreamland of multimedia resources for budding biologists

Bottom Line: Biology teachers and students will find a lot of useful multimedia here to help them teach and understand complex genetics topics.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

NOVA Labs

Online science, mastered: exceptional content within meaningful tasks

Bottom Line: Serious, sophisticated science engagement -- but be prepared to take some prep time to connect these labs with your classroom.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

Niche - a genetics survival game

Immersive genetics sim puts evolution in students' hands

Bottom Line: This hands-on genetics game allows students to experiment, explore traits, and come away with a sophisticated understanding of the subject.

Grades: 7–12
Price:
Free, Paid

BioInteractive

High-quality multimedia brings biological research to life

Bottom Line: Superb multimedia tools and lesson plans help kids explore biology through real-world examples.

Grades: 9–12
Price:
Free

Labster

Impressive, advanced virtual biotech labs contain glitches

Bottom Line: Take it out for a spin to get a sense of its limitations and those glitches, and then embrace this amazing virtual tool as an introduction, a review, or (sometimes) even a wet-lab replacement.

Grades: 10–12
Price:
Free to try, Paid

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