Full genetics review escape room (Punnett squares, pedigree charts, gel electrophoresis, DNA mutations, protein synthesis).

This digital escape-room style activity provides cumulative review of core genetics concepts through a sequence of structured problem-solving stations. Students apply previously learned knowledge to unlock codes by analyzing inheritance patterns, interpreting molecular data, and applying genetic models.

Students work through five stations that target major genetics skills:

• Applying dominant and recessive inheritance using Punnett squares

• Interpreting pedigree charts to identify genotypes and carriers

• Analyzing chromosomal sex determination and sex-linked traits

• Interpreting gel electrophoresis results

• Applying mutation and protein synthesis concepts to generate coded outputs

At each station, students use their answers to generate part of an escape code. Codes must be combined and formatted accurately to complete the challenge, reinforcing both content understanding and procedural precision.

This activity is designed to:

• assess understanding of major genetics concepts

• require application rather than recall

• integrate multiple genetics skills in a single task

• function as an end-of-unit review or synthesis activity

A teacher key is included to support efficient implementation. This lesson works well as a genetics unit review or as a cumulative application task.

Grade Recommendation

Middle School (advanced): Grades 7–8

• Appropriate for students completing a full genetics unit.

• Requires prior knowledge of Punnett squares, mutations, and basic protein synthesis.

High School: Grades 9–10

• Ideal for Biology, Living Environment, and Genetics units.

• Strongly matches NY Living Environment exam content (punnett squares, pedigrees, gels, DNA → protein).

• Could serve as a full-unit review activity.

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Cross-Curricular Connections and/or Extension

Cross-Curricular Connections

• ELA:

  • Students interpret diagrams, read scenario-based questions, and translate information across representations.

• Mathematics:

  • Percent calculations in Punnett squares

  • Logical sequencing in pedigree analysis

  • Directional decoding in the electrophoresis grid

• Computer Science:

  • Pattern recognition

  • Decoding systems (Morse code, directional algorithms)

• Forensics:

  • Gel electrophoresis for crime scene analysis and paternity tests.

• Health:

  • Mutagen exposure (UV, cigarette smoke) and its biological consequences.

Extensions

• Students design their own escape-room-style genetics puzzles.

• Students research a real-world genetic disorder and construct a sample pedigree.

• Classroom wet-lab or simulation extension: paper electrophoresis or protein synthesis card sort.
  

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NGSS Standards (Including CCCs & SEPs)

Performance Expectations

Middle School

• MS-LS3-1: Modeling how genetic mutations may affect proteins (Station 4 mutations).

• MS-LS3-2: Using models of inheritance to explain patterns (Punnett squares + pedigrees).

• MS-LS4-4: Constructing explanations about how traits affect survival (inherent in trait-based Punnett square stations).

High School

• HS-LS1-1: Explaining how DNA structure determines protein structure (Station 5).

• HS-LS1-4: Modeling mitosis effects on genetic stability (frameshift mutation questions).

• HS-LS3-1: Asking questions about DNA instructions for traits.

• HS-LS3-2: Applying Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance in Punnett squares.

• HS-LS3-3: Using probability to predict trait distributions.

• HS-LS4-1: Evaluating evidence of common ancestry (species gel comparison in Station 3).

• HS-LS4-2: Constructing explanations based on DNA banding patterns.

Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs)

• Analyzing and Interpreting Data:

  • Interpreting Punnett squares, pedigrees, and electrophoresis results.

• Developing and Using Models:

  • Pedigree charts and DNA → RNA → protein flow.

• Constructing Explanations:

  • Mutation analysis and genotype-to-phenotype reasoning.

• Engaging in Argument from Evidence:

  • Justifying paternity or guilt based on DNA banding patterns.

• Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking:

  • Percent probabilities, Morse code decoding, directional algorithm grid navigation.

Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs)

• Patterns:

  • Inheritance patterns, gel bands, mutation outcomes.

• Cause and Effect:

  • How mutations affect DNA and protein outcomes.

• Structure and Function:

  • How DNA structure changes → differences in proteins.

• Systems and System Models:

  • Viewing genetics as an integrated information-processing system.

• Stability and Change:

  • Mutations altering genetic stability across replication cycles.

Common Core Standards

ELA

• RST.9-10.3: Follow multistep genetic-problem procedures.

• RST.9-10.7: Integrate and interpret visual information (Punnett squares, pedigrees, gels).

• RST.9-10.9: Compare and evaluate differing forms of genetic evidence.

Math

• MP.2: Reason abstractly and quantitatively using probability.

• MP.4: Apply mathematics in biological models (protein synthesis decoding).

• HSS.ID.A.1: Analyze and interpret data distributions (gel bands).

Common Core applies moderately because students decode, calculate, and analyze but do not perform extended writing.