As a college student studying biology, this program greatly showed the effect of crossing organisms in a population throughout multiple generations. One could complete a randomized cross (by picking organisms just based off the numbers that were assigned to specific organisms) or a customized cross (by picking organisms knowing their sex and wild type). Each data set per generation, or vial, is saved and can be readdressed throughout one's exploration. The data set includes the population's percentages of gender and characteristics (wild type vs. not). In addition, one can preform a chi-square test on each vial by inputting their expected ratios of the vial. By having all of these options, it is easy for a student to create their own "mini-experiment" or group project.
Summary: A powerful tool, but would require some work on the instructor's part to guide the students in using it.
Pros: Provides a lot of power and freedom for students to explore different traits. Covers a variety of topics important to genetics, including Chi-Square analysis, linked traits, and sex-linked traits.
Cons: Does not provide the student with any direction or prompt. Instructor would need to create activity directions and questions for students.
Wendy Jo Levenson @ on
5.0 out of 5 stars
As a college student studying biology, this program greatly showed the effect of crossing organisms in a population throughout multiple generations. One could complete a randomized cross (by picking organisms just based off the numbers that were assigned to specific organisms) or a customized cross (by picking organisms knowing their sex and wild type). Each data set per generation, or vial, is saved and can be readdressed throughout one's exploration. The data set includes the population's percentages of gender and characteristics (wild type vs. not). In addition, one can preform a chi-square test on each vial by inputting their expected ratios of the vial. By having all of these options, it is easy for a student to create their own "mini-experiment" or group project.
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Lisa Limeri @ on
4.0 out of 5 stars
Summary: A powerful tool, but would require some work on the instructor's part to guide the students in using it.
Pros: Provides a lot of power and freedom for students to explore different traits. Covers a variety of topics important to genetics, including Chi-Square analysis, linked traits, and sex-linked traits.
Cons: Does not provide the student with any direction or prompt. Instructor would need to create activity directions and questions for students.
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