Overview

Students created a “mutant” by rolling dice to determine genetic traits and applying environmental changes across different life stages. They observed how factors like diet, stress, temperature, and radiation interacted with genetics to influence development and adaptation. This activity helped illustrate how both genes and environment shape traits and contribute to variation in real-world organisms.

Objectives

Introduction to genetics
Introduction to environmental factors
Genetic-environmental factor interactions definition
Genetic-environmental factor interactions examples
Workshop explanation + example

Materials

Markers
Colored construction paper
Colored pencils
Glue sticks

Workshop Outline

Please use this link to view the full outline for this workshop. A sample of the outline is provided below.

In this activity, students will build a “mutant.”

The dice roll represents genetics, the random chance of what traits you are born with. Give each student a piece of paper and have them roll a die for two body parts.

Genetic Deck

Roll for metabolism (gene A)
- 1, 3, 5: Sensitive: thin clay
- 2, 4, 6: Resilient: thick clay
Roll for skin (gene B)
- 1 or 2: scaly armor
- 3 or 4: fuzzy fur
- 5 or 6: slimy, thin skin

Environmental Deck

4 rounds of environmental pressures across a lifetime, drawn from deck

Round 1: Stress
- 1-3: Sensitive
  - Visible cracks/damage marks in paper base and limbs
- 4-6: Resilient
  - No effect/minimal effect
Round 2: Volcanic Eruption
- Lived near volcano (heat adaptation), beads / plated armor
  - Fur - add RED spikes to body
  - Slime - unaffected
  - Scales - draw red burns

Presentation

Please use this link to view the full slides presentation for this workshop. A sample of the presentation is provided below.