DNA Models and Games

The DNA strand in this board game splits as players end up on different paths based on their choices in the game.
The DNA strand in this board game splits as players end up on different paths based on their choices in the game.

Ms. Mertz’s class is studying DNA–replication, translation, transcription, etc.–and she gave them the option of making a model or creating a game to test each others knowledge. There were some interesting projects:

A DNA strand modeled with the bases represented by colored marshmallows. Toothpicks connect the marshmallows along the backbone of the helices, while Twizzlers are used to show the bonding across the two DNA strands.
A DNA strand modeled with the bases represented by colored marshmallows. Toothpicks connect the marshmallows along the backbone of the helices, while Twizzlers are used to show the bonding across the two DNA strands.
The quiz questions in this board game are visible to all the players, which allows for more in-depth discussion of the answers.
The quiz questions in this board game are visible to all the players, which allows for more in-depth discussion of the answers.
Helicase (the cotton ball) splits the DNA double helix.
Helicase (the cotton ball) splits the DNA double helix.
Ms. Mertz helps a student with their research project on cloning.
Ms. Mertz helps a student with their research project on cloning.
The study of DNA and heredity offer great opportunities to study probability. In this case, a player has to traverse 80 squares by rolls of a single dice, and then answer a question from a card. If they get the wrong answer they do not advance, but if they pull a Go to Jail card they have to go back to Jail. If there are 20 cards and two of them send you back to Jail, what's the probability of anyone finishing the game?
The study of DNA and heredity offer great opportunities to study probability. In this case, a player has to traverse 80 squares by rolls of a single dice, and then answer a question from a card. If they get the wrong answer they do not advance, but if they pull a Go to Jail card they have to go back to Jail. If there are 20 cards and two of them send you back to Jail, what’s the probability of anyone finishing the game?

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