Reebops

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In this genetics activity, learners create imaginary creatures known as "Reebops" to explore the relationships between genes and inherited traits. Using Reebops as a model, learners investigate how hereditary information is passed from one generation to the next, and how the physical appearance of offspring is determined from the combinations of genes received from parents. This activity guide includes detailed background information, glossary, and handouts. [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
Over $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 120 large white marshmallows (2 bags)
  • 300 "mini" colored marshmallows [pastel colors: pink, green, orange, yellow] (1 bag)
  • 34 fancy toothpicks with fringe (same color)
  • 140 [approx.] plain round toothpicks
  • 32 red flat thumb tacks
  • 32 green flat thumb tacks
  • 60 clear push pins
  • 68 red push pins
  • 17 brown pipe cleaners (each cut in half)
  • 45 legal size envelopes
  • Roll of black yarn
  • Roll of yellow yarn
  • 15 sheets of white "Karyotype" chromosomes
  • 15 sheets of pink "Mom" Reebop chromosomes
  • 15 sheet of blue "Dad" Reebop chromosomes

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Heredity and Genetics
      • Patterns of Heredity
      • Human Genetics
      • DNA Structure and Function
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
      • Probability
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Soderberg., Patti

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Center for Biology Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Patti Soderberg, 1991

Funding Source:

  • Howard Hughes Medical Institute