In this fun activity, students will learn how genetic variation determines a phenotype by creating their own creepy-crawly “monsters”. Each student will make a unique monster based on the out-come of flipping a coin.

Important Terms: Genotype, Phenotype, Allele, Dominant, Recessive

Materials needed for this activity:
• Monster Genetics Activity Handout
• 1 penny per student/group
• Crayons and/or markers
• Scissors
• Glue


Teacher Instructions:
For this activity, students may work alone or in small groups of 2. Each student or group should be given an activity handout, one penny, a set of crayons (including the colors red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, pink, gray, and brown), glue, and scissors.
First, each group/student will fill in the chart, with the results of two coin flips per trait. Each flip of the coin will correspond to an allele. By combining the two alleles, the students will learn whether their monster’s genotype for that trait and a corresponding phenotype (such as the color of its nose). Once the chart has been completed, the students will construct their monster out of the accompanying body parts sheet. The body parts should be cut out, colored, and attached to the monster with glue if needed.