Poker Game Name: ________________

Objective: To model how genes randomly assort into gametes and to model how fertilization results in offspring
with different phenotypes.

Instructions:
Step 1: Who is mom and who is dad?
Step 2: On the data sheet record genotype and phenotype of BOTH parents for the following traits.
1. Earlobes 2. Freckles 3. Eyelashes
4. Eye Color 5. Dimples 6. Gender (XX – Females or XY – Males)
**Note if you have dominant phenotype, assume that you are heterozygous**
Step 3: Clear your table. One person from each group of 2 will come up and get 12 poker chips and about
one foot of masking tape.
Step 4: EACH person will put about 1/2 inch of masking tape on both sides of SiX chips (one for each gene)
Step 5: For each gene, write one letter of the genotype on opposite sides of the chip. Example: Genotype
for eye color is “Qq”, one side gets “Q” other side get “q”. If you are “qq”, both sides will get a “q”
Step 6: Now all chips are labeled, time to make babies. Mom flips all 6 on desk and then dad.
Step 7: Push all the chips on the desk together. Use the letters showing to determine the genotype of the
first child for all six genes and record this on the data sheet.
Step 8: Determine the phenotypes of the child based on its genotypes. . Record on data sheet.
Step 9: Repeat steps 6,7,8 to make two more children. Answer the following questions as you make your
other children.
Step 10: Clean up by removing all tape from the chips and returning them to the proper containers. Staple this
sheet to your data sheet and turn it in.

Questions:
1. Which step models the independent assortment of genes into gametes? Explain.

2. What part of the model represents homologous chromosomes? How so?

3. Which step models fertilization of the egg by a sperm> Briefly explain.

4. Does the combination of genes in the first child change which genes will be available to future children of
the same parents? Explain why or why not.

5. The chance of the child being a boy is 1/2. Pick one gene for which both parents have the dominant
phenotype. Predict the chance of the next child having a recessive phenotype. Explain your reasoning.
Data Table: Traits of Parents
Parent’s Name Parent’s Name
_____________________________ _____________________________
Genotype Phenotype Genotype Phenotype
1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

6. 6.

Data Table: Traits of Children

Child’s Name # 1 Child’s Name # 2

_____________________________ _____________________________
Genotype Phenotype Genotype Phenotype
1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

6. 6.

Child’s Name # 3 Child’s Name # 4

_____________________________ _____________________________
Genotype Phenotype Genotype Phenotype
1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

6. 6.