High school biology can be a bit of a rollercoaster ride. It’s fascinating, no doubt, but sometimes it can also be a tad…let’s say, challenging. I was looking for a way to make it more engaging and fun without sacrificing the content and standards. Well, here’s the scoop: board games. They’re not just for family game night; they can are a secret weapon in my teaching arsenal. In this post, I’m going to lay it all out for you, sharing seven awesome board games that can breathe new life into your biology lessons. I’m suggesting biology games to add to your classroom.

My Favorite Biology Games

Pandemic

Let’s kick things off with Pandemic, a cooperative board game where players work together as members of a disease control team to prevent global pandemics. It’s all about strategy and collaboration as you strive to save the world from deadly diseases.

In the classroom: Pandemic can be a fantastic tool to teach students about disease spread, epidemiology, and the significance of teamwork. You can also relate the game to real-world events to make the lessons more relatable.

Cytosis

Ever wondered what’s happening inside a human cell? Cytosis is a board game that simulates the inner workings of a cell. Players collect resources, build cell components, and compete for cellular control points to rack up points.

In the classroom: Cytosis can be a valuable resource for explaining cell biology concepts such as organelles, cellular respiration, and protein synthesis. Encourage students to relate these concepts to real-life cellular processes.

Genotype

Genetics can be a tough nut to crack, but Genotype turns it into a card game where players breed creatures with different traits to create the most successful species.

In the classroom: Use Genotype to introduce students to Mendelian genetics, Punnett squares, and inheritance patterns. Watch your students have a blast breeding creatures with some wild genetic combos.

Ecosystem

Ecosystem

Want to become an ecosystem guru? Ecosystem is the board game for you. Build and manage your own ecosystems, learn about balance, and see how species connect.

In the classroom: Dive into ecology and environmental science. Talk food webs, energy flow, and the human impact on ecosystems. Plus, spark discussions on saving the planet!

Organ Attack

Organ Attack offers a unique blend of educational content and laughter, making it an ideal choice for high school biology classrooms. Players take on the role of mad scientists and compete to build bizarre yet functional organs while attacking opponents with a variety of afflictions.

In the classroom: The humor and fun associated with the game create a positive learning environment, helping to keep students engaged and motivated to explore the fascinating world of biology.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is a strategy board game where players compete to grow the most plants by efficiently using sunlight and resources.

In the classroom: Integrate Photosynthesis into lessons on plant biology and photosynthesis. Teach students about the photosynthesis process, plant anatomy, and the factors affecting plant growth. The game’s strategy element can enhance critical thinking skills.

Trekking the National Parks

Trekking the National Parks is a board game that combines adventure and education as players travel across the United States’ national parks, learning about wildlife, geography, and conservation.

In the classroom: Perfect game to add in when discussing biodiversity, conservation, and the importance of national parks in preserving natural ecosystems. Encourage students to explore the diversity of species and ecosystems found in various national parks.