Curated OER
The Watson-Crick Model of DNA Structure
Junior geneticists construct models of DNA to discover sequencing and pairing of nucleotides. They use the models to simulate protein synthesis and then translate the codes into physical traits. Finally, they use the traits to create a...
Curated OER
Genes, DNA, and Mutations
With paper DNA patterns, budding biologists model translation and base-pair substitution within sequences. Through these activities, they examine how mutations can result in genetic disorders. The modeling that occurs is an enlightening...
Serendip
DNA Structure, Function and Replication
Before a cell replicates, its DNA must replicate. Take advantage of a hands-on guided lesson to teach budding scientists how this happens. Using a set of nucleotide cards, learners become the DNA and work to create matching strands...
Curated OER
Discovering DNA Structure
Students work on this paper lab in cooperative groups of four and manipulate nucleotides to discover the structure of DNA. When they have finished the lab, students have created model of DNA that can be hung on the ceiling. Students...
Curated OER
The Coding of Protein Molecules by DNA
Students investigate the production of proteins by the DNA. In this protein synthesis lesson plan, students use paper models to explore transcription and translation to make proteins using DNA. Students answer 10 questions to demonstrate...
Curated OER
Discovering DNA Structure
Students work in cooperative groups of four and manipulate paper nucleotides to discover the structure of DNA. They model DNA and sing the DNA song to review concepts. Lyrics to song included in lesson plan.
Curated OER
DNA Sequencing Simulation
Students explore the Sanger sequencing method which produces a nested set of radioactive fragments from a template strand. They simulate the Sanger method of sequencing DNA, both visually and kinesthetically.
Curated OER
Constructing a Phylogenetic Tree Using DNA Sequence Data
Students analyze DNA sequence differences between organisms in order to establish a reasonable picture of the evolutionary relationships between them. They take the role of molecular biologists and make genetic changes and constructing...
Curated OER
Sequencing the Cystic Fibrosis Gene: A Simulation
Ninth graders use this activity to simulate the sequencing of gene and to detect the presence of possible genetic defects. They use diagrams that represent bands of nucleotides in order to determine the sequence of a small piece of the...
Curated OER
DNA Code
Students synthesize information gathered from the web on reading the DNA code. In this upper-level biology activity, students use an online resource to gain information about DNA codes and then create posters on what they have learned....
Curated OER
Embryology as Evidence of Evolution
Students observe the two major developmental pathways (protostome and deuterostome). They analyze data regarding differences in nucleotide sequences and construct a phylogenetic tree. They observe the similar evolutionary history shared...
Curated OER
From Gene to Protein Study Guide
In this biology worksheet, students review and answer different questions based upon the molecules of DNA and RNA. They look at the specific protein order of the DNA strand and its synthesis.
Curated OER
DNA Blueprint for Life
Did you know that meat tenderizers contain DNA cutting enzimes? Did you know that you can isolate your own DNA? Or the DNA of fruit? Explore with your learners the DNA world with a series of experiments using readily available materials...
Curated OER
Games and Activities to Teach Molecular Genetics
Students demonstrate a working knowledge of cell interactions such as DNA replication, protein synthesis (transcription and translation), through active participation in a cooperative group.
Curated OER
Enhancing Students' Problem-Solving Abilities
Students analyze the results of a hypothetical cloning experiment using a restriction endonuclease map obtained from an on-line data source. They answer the question, "How can I tell if the DNA I have obtained from this hypothetical...
Curated OER
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Students explore how PCR works through various activities. In this biology lesson, students explain how PCR generate copies of DNA. They simulate the process using an online interactive website.
Curated OER
The Cytochrome-C Lab
Young scholars examine a method biologists use to try to determine relationships. They examine how amino acid sequences have been determined for a number of proteins, and how scientists can make inferences about DNA based on the amino...
Curated OER
Identifying Disease Genes using BLAST
Students navigate the National Center for Biological Information (NCBI) website and BLAST program to conduct a variety of biological assignments.