Sometimes in Science classes, the best way to get the point across to a student is by using an interactive activity. There are many out there that exist, but how would you like to have your own that you create and that you can modify as needed? As a Biology teacher, I was always searching for interactive content to teach Punnett Squares and Mendelian Genetics. In doing so this week for our Science Teachers, I put together an activity that yielded this video. It utilizes Conditional Formatting in Google Sheets to add a bit of interactivity to help students understand the connection between Genotype and Phenotype.
For the non-Science teacher, hopefully this video gives you some insight into how Conditional Formatting can be used in different ways. For the Science teachers out there, if you'd like a copy of the activity, use this link.
If you are a life science teacher, then surely at one time, you have taught the concept of Classification Systems and Dichotomous Keys. A Dichotomous Key is a tool that can be used to identify a living thing or object based on physical characteristics.
In thinking on this topic, while preparing for a GAFE Workshop for Science Teachers, I thought I'd put together a Tutorial Video that explains how to make a Key using Google Forms. The great thing about Forms is that there is an option for Multiple Choice questions call "Go to Section Based on Answer". By using this feature, you can direct the user to the next question by using their response to the question. Perfect for a Dichotomous Key.
