Crazy Plant Shop

In Crazy Plant Shop, students learn about genes and inheritance by breeding zany plants like the Chomplex (plants with big chompy teeth), Catcus (cactus cats), and Bunnyon (onion bunnies)! Special order requests from mysterious customers require students to understand dominant and recessive traits and how genetic traits get passed from one generation to the next. Profits from successful sales are used to acquire new breeds and expand the shop's customer base!

This game is designed to be used in inclusive science classrooms that have a diverse range of students (e.g., average and above average students, students with high incidence disabilities, English language learners, and students who struggle with reading). It is designed using the Universal Design for Learning framework, strategically aligned to key state standards, and formulated to integrate seamlessly with existing curricula.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Explain that information about how cells grow and function is contained in genes in the chromosomes of each cell nucleus and that during the process of reproduction the genes are passed from the parent cells to offspring
• Explain and provide evidence of how biological evolution accounts for the diversity of species on Earth today
• Determine the probabilities for genotype and phenotype combinations using Punnett Squares and pedigrees
• Explain why offspring that result from sexual reproduction are likely to have more diverse characteristics than offspring that result from asexual reproduction