Thingdom

Thingdom is a game that will help your students learn about about genetic inheritance and selective breeding.

Thingdom challenges students to select and breed 'Things' to bring out particular characteristics through inheritance.

Using an engaging game format designed especially to appeal to teenagers, Thingdom provides an innovative way of illustrating some of the fundamental principles of genetics such as the inheritance of characteristics through generations, and dominant and recessive genes. It provides a fun and engaging way for students to practice solving simple genetic problems such as predicting the outcomes from monohybrid crosses.

The game promotes active learning and brings to life what is often portrayed through static diagrams in text books. It also reinforces understanding of key vocabulary, e.g. chromosome, DNA and genes.

Using Thingdom

Watch the short video to see how teachers from Phoenix High School used Thingdom in their classroom teaching and their STEM Club. Approx. running time 5 minutes.

Download the worksheet to help students focus on the key learning from the game.

Use the game as a starting point for discussion about:

the inheritance of genetic disorders such as Cystic Fibrosis and Huntingdon's Chorea
the ethics of genetic screening
variation amongst species
evolution through natural selection

Thingdom can be used on computers by individuals or pairs of students working together, or by whole classes via a whiteboard. Students can also be encouraged to use the game at home to support their learning.

Curriculum links

Thingdom is relevant to the following aspects of programmes of study in England and Wales, and equivalent curricula in Scotland and Northern Ireland:

KS3 Science (QCA 2007)
1.2b - examine the ethical and moral implications of using and applying science
3.3 - all living things show variation

KS4 Science (QCA 2007)
4 - applications and implications of science
5b - variation within species can lead to evolutionary changes

BTEC First Applied Science (2006)
Unit 5, 3 - understand that genes are responsible for inheritance and variation withing species, leading to evolutionary change.

KS3 and KS4 Citizenship (QCA 2007)
2.1a - engage with/question and reflect on different ideas, opinions, assumptions, beliefs and values when exploring topical and controversial issues and problems
4a - debate in groups and whole-class discussion topical and contemporary issues including those of concern to young people
4j - make links between Citizenship and work in other subjects