Virginia Department of Education
DNA Structure, Nucleic Acids, and Proteins
What is in that double helix? Explain intricate concepts with a variety of creative activities in a lesson that incorporates multiple steps to cover DNA structure, nucleic acids, and proteins. Pupils explore the history of DNA structure,...
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Codon Bingo
Students participate in a stimulating game that involves deciphering the genetic code. They practice transcription and translation of codons while playing the game.
Science 4 Inquiry
The Monster Mash
Young scientists create monsters by applying their knowledge of transcription and translation. They randomly find the DNA, assign it a codon, and build monsters piece by piece.
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DNA Coloring - Transcription and Translation
For this DNA worksheet, students review the transcription and translation processes. Students label and color the different parts of a DNA strand. This worksheet has 7 fill in the blank questions.
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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.
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Transcription and Translation Lab Activity
Students investigate DNA strands. They study the sequence to determine if it is DNA or RNA and write the mRNA nucleotide sequence. After stringing the beads together to create the mRNA sequence they translate it into an amino acid...
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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...
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RNA
Students explain how cells reproduce. In this biology instructional activity, students transcribe and translate a gene. They discuss and compare their answers in class.
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Secret Codes
Students practice writing and decoding secret messages before discussing DNA and its role as a code for making proteins. They translate DNA into RNA and identify the sequence of amino acids to find a secret message. An interactive...
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DNA and Protein Synthesis
Tenth graders work with a partner, and copies of the attached worksheet "Amino Acid Codon Table" They discuss ways an organism, obtains and uses proteins. Students view a teacher prepared DNA strand banner, and record the complementary...
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Genetics 3 Translation
Ninth graders first summarize the process of translation, and then they identify and restate the processes of DNA replication, transcription, and translation in their own words. They also define the purpose of each and identify what the...
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DNA and Genetic Expression
Students, in groups, complete a worksheet on DNA transcription and translation. They determine codons for particular amino acids. They attempt to introduce mutations to determine what will happen to the DNA sequence.
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Who Stole My Salad?
Eighth graders explain how protein is made in the cell. In this biology activity, 8th graders translate RNA and DNA using an internet database. They determine the thief based on evidence collected.
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Condon Bingo
Students use COndon Bingo to decipher genetic codes. Students practice transcription and translation of codons while playing the game. They enjoy playing the game, while actively participating. Students develop an increase proficiency...
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Sequencing the Cystic Fibrosis Gene: A Simulation
Ninth graders determine nucleotide sequences. They identify those base sequences that are normal, those that are normal variants and those that cause cystic fibrosis. Students use DNA nucleotide sequences to determine amino acid...
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Whose DNA Is That?
Students investigate the use of technology in order to identify different sequences of amino acids by using online web tools. They enhance problem solving skills with amino acid identification skills and strengthening comfort with using...
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Protein Factory
Learners examine protein synthesis and how DNA is transcribed. In this investigative instructional activity students play a role in the messenger RNA when it creates nucleotides.
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Protein Synthesis
In this science related worksheet, pupils study, locate and answer ten multiple choice questions dealing with protein synthesis.
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Scientist Simulation
Students envision the work of a research scientist, and the relationship between molecular biology and medicine. This activity allows students to imagine themselves working as research scientists by asking them to complete the end-steps...
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Protein Factory
Students discuss the steps of protein synthesis before acting out the process as a class. They are assigned specific roles and receive an instruction card and get materials listed in order to perform their role. Students switch roles...
Agriculture in the Classroom
Design 'Y'er Genes
How do changes in DNA affect an organism? Scholars explore chromosomes, genes, DNA, and mutations by modeling the DNA of a strawberry. They build a DNA model, then manipulate it to show how changing the genes transforms the strawberry...
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Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis
Students cut out the nucleotide models and have an opportunity to relax and chat. Using imagination, students pretend to be molecules acting out protein synthesis and whole body movement.
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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....
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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...