Plant Growth: Effect of Genes and Environment Science Games

5 games

In this series of games, your students will learn about plants’ growth and development and the factors that affect it. The Plant Growth: Effect of Genes and Environment learning objective — based on NGSS and state standards — delivers improved student engagement and academic performance in your classroom, as demonstrated by research.

Scroll down for a preview of this learning objective’s games and the concepts they drive home.

Concepts Covered

A plant’s ability to grow is determined by genetics, as well as a variety of factors in the plant’s environment.

Sequoia trees and tomato plants, for example, have very different genes. As a result, their maximum possible sizes are also quite different.

But no plant is guaranteed to reach the maximum potential size that its genes determine. If a plant has limited access to the sunlight, water, or nutrients it needs, it may be considerably smaller. Natural disasters can also change the environment, affecting plants’ ability to grow.

When we talk about plant growth, it includes more than just growing taller. Development of flowers, fruits, and seeds is coded into a plant’s genes, but can also be limited by factors in its environment, including the availability of mates.

Another outside factor that affects plant growth is human activity. We can add fertilizers to make plants grow bigger, faster. We can also harm plants through deforestation, pollution, and forest fires, which can tarnish their soil and water.

A preview of each game in the learning objective is found below.

You can access all of the games on Legends of Learning for free, forever, with a teacher account. A free teacher account also allows you to create playlists of games and assignments for students and track class progress. Sign up for free today!

Image for Plantin' Time
Plantin' Time Estimated Duration: 13 minutes In this game, you are a plant farmer! You will learn about different types of plants and what these plants need to survive and thrive. You'll plant some plants that only grow towards the sun and others that love water. You will have to scout the landscape and find the best path to the "goal." Learn from your mistakes and grow your plant to beat the game!
Image for Basketball Master
Basketball Master Estimated Duration: 12 minutes Shoot a basketball through the hoop and answer some questions along the way! The game does not have any instructional content, it simply has review questions spread throughout.
Image for Galaxy Escape
Galaxy Escape Estimated Duration: 20 minutes 10 Bright Monsters have been captured in space and they need your help to cross the galaxy jumping between platforms, finding them, and releasing them by correctly answering each question. Each monster that you release and unlock will be available to play with in the next level, in the search for the next monster. In your journey, you’ll be able to find power-ups, like ‘Double points’ and ‘Slow down’, which can be activated by finding gems, and their duration can be extended by correctly answering a question. Unlock and release the 10 different monsters and a spaceship along 10 different levels, while you make the most possible points.
Image for  Plant Growth: Effect of Genes and Environment
Plant Growth: Effect of Genes and Environment Estimated Duration: 3 minutes Plants, with their intricate requirements for growth, illustrate the delicate interplay between genetics and environmental factors. Understanding how elements like temperature, water availability, light, and human activities impact plant health reveals the complexity of their survival and flourishing, underscoring the importance of a supportive environment for their thriving.
For Teachers
For Schools
For Districts
Contents