Teaching Genetics with Gizmos

Gizmos simulations give you the tools needed to dive into genetics, from Mendel’s peas to modern-day genes! Explore inheritance, manipulate genes, and discover the mystery of DNA – without the need for physical lab materials. Connect learning to students’ own family trees for even greater engagement with our genetics simulations and virtual labs!

Inheritance Gizmo

With our Inheritance simulation, students can create aliens with different traits and breed them to produce offspring. Determine which traits are passed down from parents to offspring and which traits are acquired. Offspring can be stored for future experiments or released.

View Inheritance Gizmo

Building DNA Gizmo

With our Building DNA virtual lab, students can construct a DNA molecule, examine its double-helix structure, and then go through the DNA replication process. Learn how each component fits into a DNA molecule, and see how a unique, self-replicating code can be created.

View Building DNA Gizmo

Mouse Genetics (One Trait) Gizmo

With our Mouse Genetics virtual lab, students can breed "pure" mice with known genotypes that exhibit specific fur colors and learn how traits are passed on via dominant and recessive genes. Mice can be stored in cages for future breeding, and fur color statistics are reported every time a pair of mice breed. Punnett squares can be used to predict results.

View Mouse Genetics (One Trait) Gizmo

Chicken Genetics Gizmo

With our Chicken Genetics simulation, students can breed "pure" chickens with known genotypes that exhibit specific feather colors and learn how traits are passed on via codominant genes. Chickens can be stored in cages for future breeding, and feather color statistics are reported every time the chickens breed. Punnett squares can be used to predict results.

View Chicken Genetics Gizmo

Fast Plants® 1 - Growth and Genetics Gizmo

With our Growth and Genetics simulation, grow Wisconsin Fast Plants® in a simulated lab environment. Explore the life cycles of these plants and how their growth is influenced by light, water, and crowding. Practice pollinating the plants using bee sticks, then observe the traits of the offspring plants. Use Punnett squares to model the inheritance of genes for stem color and leaf color for these plants.

Fast Plants® 1 - Growth and Genetics Gizmo