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,...
National Association of Biology Teachers
Using the Discovery of the Structure of DNA to Illustrate Cultural Aspects of Science
Times have changed—and so have science practices. An introductory instructional activity describing the components of DNA begins with a discussion of the discovery of DNA and its perception in different cultures and genders. Scholars...
Teach Engineering
Imagining DNA Structure
Let's get a closer look at DNA and other molecular structures. The first lesson in the series of four introduces a variety of imagining techniques that engineers and scientists use to visualize molecular structures. The resource presents...
Virginia Department of Education
Building a DNA Model
It has been decades since the discovery of DNA. Still, activities such building this DNA model allow blossoming scientists to better understand the components that form this overall structure. During this activity, they will also...
Teach Engineering
Restriction Enzymes and DNA Fingerprinting
Show your class why restrictions aren't always a bad thing. In the third segment of a four-part series, the instructor develops the idea of restriction enzymes. Pupils learn how scientists use restriction enzymes in DNA analysis and DNA...
Virginia Department of Education
DNA Extraction from Strawberries
Has your class ever been astounded by the complexity of DNA analysis? Have they ever asked why genetic engineering has become so important to our daily lives? Young scientists perform DNA extraction on strawberries and explore how the...
Curated OER
DNA, the Awesome Thread of Life
Students examine how traits are passed to offspring. For this genetic reproduction lesson students develop a model of dna and learn about its structure, replication and function.
Curated OER
DNA Replication
High schoolers are able to distinguish between transcription and replication. They are able to distinguish between DNA and RNA. Students name some of the proteins and enzymes used in replication and transcription. They are able...
Curated OER
Investigating DNA
Students engage in a variety of activities designed to facilitate the understanding of DNA. Activities include preparing human chromosome spreads, separating a mixture of dyes using gel electrophoresis and extracting DNA from onion cells,
Curated OER
The Mad Pursuit Search for the Structure of DNA
Students complete a variety of activities as they study the historical story of Rosalind Franklin not receiving credit for her contributions in discovering the structure of DNA.
Curated OER
DNA Models
Young scholars create DNA models. Using puzzle pieces to represent the parts of a DNA strand, they put together a segment of DNA. Once everyone has completed their individual strand, they being linking with other students using tape. ...
Curated OER
DNA: The Search for the Genetic Material
Students study the history of DNA and how to extract it. In this genetic lesson students complete a DNA experiment using bacteria.
Curated OER
The Structure of DNA
Students will demonstrate knowledge of the structure of DNA by constructing simple models of DNA with materials given to them in class. They will also discover that some female scientists such as Rosalind Franklin have not been given...
Curated OER
DNA Models
Students construct paper model of the DNA molecule. In this genetics lesson, students assemble paper parts that represent nucleotides into a DNA molecule. Extension ideas are also provided.
Curated OER
DNA and RNA
Tenth graders research the history and discovery of DNA. Using their text, they label a basic DNA structure and the composition of genes. They explain how RNA and DNA differ from one other and discuss the processes of transcription and...
Curated OER
Biology: Genetics and Heredity
Seventh graders explore the connection between genetics and heredity by examining the cellular structure. Among the numerous activities to engage students are drawing DNA molecules, vocabulary puzzle sheets, and predicting possible...
Curated OER
Finding the Structure: Pieces of the Puzzle
Middle schoolers gather information about DNA. For this biology lesson, students watch video clips of scientists discussing their contribution to the understanding of DNA, then work a puzzle correlating information to scientist. Lesson...
American Society for Microbiology
”Build a Bacterium” Scavenger Hunt
An exciting activity has scholars use cell parts to build bacteria through cooperation with other groups. Each group has some of the cell parts needed, but they must trade with other groups to be able to fulfill their function as a...
Curated OER
Extraction of DNA from Onion
Students study DNA by isolating it from plant tissue. They determine the purpose of each step in the isolation procedure as it relates to the physical and biochemical characteristics of the genetic material
Curated OER
Who Done It?
Pick and choose which activities to include in this crime scene investigation. Junior detectives can examine fingerprints, DNA, blood samples, or bone structure. The plan suggests you have teams solve a mystery, but it does not give you...
Curated OER
Who's Who and How Do You Know for Sure?
Young scholars investigate the applications of DNA fingerprinting, They read crime scenarios and using the details of the crime and laboratory experimentation decide the suspects guilt or innocence.
Curated OER
Disproving the Proof
Students investigate the progression of discoveries that have led to the genetics knowledge that scientists currently have. They determine how genetic experiments disproved previous theories on inheritance.
Curated OER
Genome's Greatest Hits
Students explore the progression of discoveries that have led to the genetics knowledge that scientists currently have. In groups, students research scientists that have made important contributions to understanding the molecules behind...
Curated OER
Who Done It?
Students work in groups to solve various murder mysteries using DNA evidence to implicate suspects. Teams compete to solve the crimes the fastest, while using various scientific methods to accomplish their task.