| Title | Mendel |
| Developer(s) | Owen Bell |
| Publisher(s) | Owen Bell |
| Release Date | Sep 6, 2018 |
| Size | 115.96 MB |
| Genre | PC > Indie, Simulation |
Genetics can be a complex and fascinating subject, but it can also be daunting for some people. This is where the Mendel Game comes in – a fun and educational way to learn about genetics through a simple and engaging game.
What is the Mendel Game?
The Mendel Game is named after Gregor Mendel, known as the father of modern genetics. It is a board game that simulates the process of genetics and inheritance. The game is designed for players to understand and experience the basic principles of genetics in a hands-on and interactive way.
The game was created by a group of biology and science educators who wanted to make genetics more accessible and enjoyable for students and individuals of all ages. It has gained popularity in schools and science centers, and even among families wanting to have a fun and educational game night.
How to Play
The Mendel Game is played with 2 to 6 players, and the objective is to create the most successful and diverse population of plants. The game starts with each player receiving a plant with three traits – flower color, stem height, and leaf shape. These traits are represented by colored cubes, short and long sticks, and different-shaped cardboard cutouts.
The game has three rounds, each representing a generation of plants. In each round, players will have to make decisions on which plants to breed or “cross” to create new offspring. Breeding is done by exchanging trait cubes and sticks between plants, and players can also introduce new traits by drawing from the trait deck.
The offspring created will inherit traits from their “parent” plants, receiving one trait from each parent. If the offspring inherits dominant traits, it will have a higher chance of survival and growth. The game also introduces the concept of genetic mutations, where some offspring may acquire a different trait than what was expected.
Educational Value
Aside from being a fun and interactive game, the Mendel Game also has educational value. It teaches players about the basic principles of genetics, such as dominant and recessive traits, inheritance, and genetic variation. It also introduces players to the Punnett square, an important tool in understanding genetic crosses.
The game encourages critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving as players strategize on which plants to breed to create the most successful population. It also promotes teamwork and communication as players negotiate and trade traits with one another.
Final Thoughts
The Mendel Game is a great addition to any science classroom or household with an interest in genetics. It makes learning about this complex topic fun and accessible for everyone, regardless of age or prior knowledge in genetics. If you’re looking for a unique and engaging way to understand genetics, give the Mendel Game a try!
“The Mendel Game has been a great tool in my classroom to introduce my students to the world of genetics. They have fun while learning and always ask to play it again!” – Ms. Smith, Biology Teacher
System Requirements
Minimum:- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Dual-Core Intel i5 @ 2GHz+
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: Intel 4xxx or better
- Storage: 150 MB available space
- Sound Card: On-board
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel i7 @ 2.3 GHz
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: Dedicated GPU with 1GB+ of VRAM
- Storage: 150 MB available space
- Sound Card: On-board
How to Download
- Open your preferred web browser and go to the Mendel game download page.
- Scroll down the page until you see a button labeled "Download" and click on it.
- A pop-up window will appear asking you to choose the location where you want to save the file. Select a suitable location and click "Save".
- Wait for the download to complete. The download time will vary depending on your internet speed.
- Once the download is finished, navigate to the location where you saved the file.
- Double-click on the downloaded file to start the installation process.
- A setup wizard for Mendel game will open. Follow the prompts and instructions to complete the installation process.
- Once the installation is complete, a shortcut icon for Mendel game will be created on your desktop or in the "Applications" folder.
- Click on the shortcut icon to launch the game.
- The game will open and you can start playing.