Lesson Planet
Search educational resources
  • Sign In Try It Free
  • AI Teacher Tools
    • Discover Resources Search reviewed educational resources by keyword, subject, grade, type, and more
    • Curriculum Manager (My Content) Manage saved and uploaded resources and folders To Access the Curriculum Manager Sign In or Join Now
    • Browse Resource Directory Browse educational resources by subject and topic
    • Curriculum Calendar Explore curriculum resources by date
    • Lesson Planning Articles Timely and inspiring teaching ideas that you can apply in your classroom
    • Our Story
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Testimonials
    • Contact Us
  • Pricing
  • School Access
    • Your school or district can sign up for Lesson Planet — with no cost to teachers
      Learn More
  • Sign In
  • Try It Free

Hi, what do you want to do?

Create a lesson plan
Create a lesson plan
Generate resources with 80+ AI teacher tools
Generate resources with 80+ AI teacher tools
Search 200,000 instructional videos
Search 200,000 instructional videos
Find a teaching resource
Find a teaching resource
Building a DNA Model Lesson PlanBuilding a DNA Model Lesson Plan
Publisher
Virginia Department of Education
Resource Details
Curator Rating
Educator Rating
Not yet Rated
Grade
9th - 12th
Subjects
Science
1 more...
Resource Type
Lesson Plans
Audience
For Teacher Use
Duration
45 mins
Instructional Strategy
Collaborative Learning
Technology
Internet Access
Year
2012
Lesson Plan

Building a DNA Model

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Building a DNA Model lesson plan also includes:
  • Building a DNA Model (Doc)
  • Join to access all included materials

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 physically alter the structure so they may further investigate what occurs beneath the surface in common genetic disorders.

72 Views 65 Downloads

Concepts

chromosomes, deoxyribonucleic acid, genes, dna replication

Additional Tags

science

Instructional Ideas

  • Have students research the relationship between DNA and specific genetic diseases
  • Instruct students to explore cloning techniques and predict various scenarios of your choice to present before the class

Classroom Considerations

  • Lay pasta on the floor in categories for easier matching
  • Display a large image of the DNA ladder for reference as the activity takes place

Pros

  • Simple materials are used to demonstrate a complex concept in detail
  • Little to no cleanup is involved, resulting in an effective, time-saving activity

Cons

  • None

See similar resources:

Lesson Plan

DNA Structure: Gumdrop Modeling

LABScI
DNA molecules hold the secrets that make us unique. The fourth of 12 lessons explores the structure of DNA by building candy models. After building the models, young scientists break their models to begin the process of DNA replication....
9th - 12th Science
Lesson Plan

The Watson-Crick Model of DNA Structure

Curated OER
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...
7th - 10th Science
Lesson Plan

DNA Structure, Nucleic Acids, and Proteins

Virginia Department of Education
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,...
9th - 12th Science
Worksheet

Raven Chapter 14 Guided Notes: DNA, the Genetic Material

Curated OER
Because it is heavily focused on the contributors to DNA theory, this worksheet may be more of an enrichment than a fundamental support to your genetics curriculum. Though it does query learners about DNA structure, replication, and...
9th - Higher Ed Science
Instructional Video

What Is DNA Structure?

Socratica
How does DNA work? Young geneticists see how function follows form with a video from Socratica's playlist that explores biology. The narrator pulls apart the double helix and describes each portion, discusses Chargaff's rule, and...
11 mins 9th - Higher Ed Science
CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Video

DNA Structure and Replication

Crash Course
I wish I was adenine because then I could get paired with U. Awwww. The video explains what DNA is made of and analyzes its structure. Video includes a short pop quiz about base pairs before explaining the differences between RNA and DNA...
13 mins 9th - 12th Science
CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Video

DNA Structure

Curated OER
Stop animation helps Jeremy describe the components of the Double Helix structure of DNA. This is actually a very informative clip which will make explaining the nature of DNA easy to understand.
2 mins 7th - 10th Science
Instructional Video

Genetics and The Structure of DNA - Part 2/2

Curated OER
How is DNA structured? Composed of deoxyribose, phosphate, and bases, DNA seems so simple, yet it determines so much of who we are. Give your class a better understanding of their genetic makeup with this video. Part two of two.
7 mins 7th - 12th Science
Instructional Video

Khan Academy: Hershey and Chase: Dna Is the Genetic Material

Khan Academy
Find out how Alfred Hershey and Martha Chase showed conclusively that DNA is the genetic material. [8:49]
9th - 10th Science
Lesson Plan

Pbs Learning Media: Dna Structure and Function: Decoding Watson

PBS
Discover how the structure of DNA relates to its hereditary function in these videos from the American Masters film Decoding Watson. The first video, "DNA Structure and Function," [2:07] can be used with all middle and high school...
9th - 10th Science
Try It Free
© 1999-2026 Learning Explorer, Inc.
Teacher Lesson Plans, Worksheets and Resources

Sign up for the Lesson Planet Monthly Newsletter

Open Educational Resources (OER)

  • Health
  • Language Arts
  • Languages
  • Math
  • Physical Education
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Special Education
  • Visual and Performing Arts
View All Lesson Plans

Discover Resources

  • Our Review Process
  • How it Works
  • How to Search
  • Create a Collection

Manage Curriculum

  • Edit a Collection
  • Assign to Students
  • Manage My Content
Contact Us Site Map Privacy Policy Terms of Use