Review games can be a great way to engage high school students and reinforce their understanding of the material in a fun and interactive way. Here are some fun review games for high school biology that you can use in a classroom:
Jeopardy
Jeopardy is a classic quiz game that can be tailored to suit any subject, including biology. By creating categories like Genetics, Ecology, Human Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Evolution, you can cover a broad range of topics. Questions can be designed with varying difficulty levels, allowing students to challenge themselves and earn points for correct answers. This game encourages teamwork and strategic thinking as students decide which questions to attempt based on their team’s strengths.
Garden Bingo
Garden Bingo helps students review botany and ecology concepts within a biology curriculum. The game involves creating Bingo cards filled with various plant-related terms, such as names of common garden plants, details of photosynthetic processes, parts of a plant (such as roots, stems, leaves, flowers), and ecological concepts relevant to garden ecosystems. During gameplay, the teacher reads out definitions or descriptions, and students must identify and mark the corresponding term on their cards. This interactive format not only helps solidify students’ understanding of the material but also adds an element of fun to learning, making complex topics more approachable and memorable.
Kahoot! or Quizizz
Platforms like Kahoot! and Quizizz provide a digital and interactive quiz format that is highly engaging for students. Teachers can create custom quizzes that include multiple-choice questions, true or false questions, and more. These platforms support real-time feedback and leaderboards, adding a competitive edge that often motivates students to focus and perform better.
Who Am I?
In this guessing game, each student has a card with the name of a biological concept, organism, or process taped to their back. They must determine what is written on their card by asking their classmates yes/no questions. This game encourages critical thinking and helps students practice defining and describing biological terms in a way that is understandable to their peers.
Crossword Puzzles or Word Searches
Creating custom crossword puzzles or word searches that include key vocabulary from the biology curriculum can be a quieter yet effective review activity. These puzzles help students reinforce their understanding of terminology and concepts in a relaxed setting, which can be particularly beneficial for students who prefer solitary or visual learning styles.
Pictionary or Charades
Using games like Pictionary or Charades to review biology allows students to visually or physically represent complex concepts. Whether drawing on a board or acting out processes like photosynthesis, students engage in creative and kinetic learning, which can help in memorizing and understanding scientific processes.
Concept Mapping
Concept mapping challenges students to draw connections between different biological concepts. In a timed setting, teams can compete to create the most detailed and accurate maps. This activity fosters a deeper understanding as students have to explain how different concepts relate to each other, reinforcing their knowledge network.
Fishbowl
The Fishbowl game involves students writing review questions on pieces of paper and placing them into a bowl. Teams then take turns drawing and answering questions with points awarded for correct responses. This game is versatile and can be adapted to any content area, encouraging comprehensive review and collaborative learning.
Escape Room
A biology-themed escape room can be an exciting way for students to engage with the subject. By solving biology-based puzzles, students apply their knowledge in new contexts, which can enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Although it requires more preparation, the immersive nature of the game makes it a memorable learning experience.
Flashcard Races
Flashcard races are a dynamic way to review biology concepts. Students can quickly quiz each other on definitions, functions, and processes using flashcards. This method promotes active recall, which is crucial for memory retention. The fast-paced nature of the game adds excitement and can be a great energizer for the class.
