Phylogenetics


Source Institutions

Source Institutions

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
This activity lets learners participate in the process of reconstructing a phylogenetic tree and introduces them to several core bioinformatics concepts, particularly in relation to evolution. Groups of learners (at least 10) repeat a secret message (five to seven similar-sounding words) like the game "Telephone". In this version of the game, however, learners write and then code what they hear, creating a model of a phylogenetic tree and using a species distance matrix. This resource includes background information about phylogenetic trees, maximum parsimony, and matrix theory (see page 6-7 of PDF).

Quick Guide


Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes

Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes

Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students

Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18

Resource Types:
Activity, Game, Lesson/Lesson Plan

Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)


  • A predetermined "secret message" written on a slip of paper
  • A blackboard or whiteboard
  • Small slips of paper for writing down the secret message
  • Paper for reconstructing the path of the message
  • Pencils

Subjects


  • Engineering and Technology
    • Computing
      • Computer Science
      • Information Systems
    • Engineering
      • Computer Engineering
  • Life Sciences
    • Evolution
      • Human Evolution
    • Heredity and Genetics
      • Human Genetics
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Patterns
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Representation
    • Number and Operations
      • Number Systems
    • Representation
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Problem Solving

Informal Categories


  • Computers
  • Games

Audience


To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • hear
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

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

Other


Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Sources:

  • Brian Mason Scientific and Technical Trust
  • Google Inc.