Students research modern DNA discoveries provided by the teacher as well as student selected discoveries. After summarizing each discovery, students reflect on the nature of science and identify and explain which NOS tenets are demonstrated in the DNA discoveries.

In a 15 minute video, Paul Andersen describes the four major biological molecules found in living things. There are links to two worksheets and a transcript of the videoso you can create your own guided notes for students to complete while watching the video.

This lesson will be used to help students explore the bioethics of biotechnology. With a team, students choose a renewable alternative energy source such as cloning, stem cell research, DNA fingerprinting, or others and research the pros and cons of that biotechnology.

The team then splits into debate teams and draws straws to determine whether they are on the "pro" or "con" side. They will debate in front of the class allowing others in the class to learn about both sides.

Students will participate in a 5E lesson. To ENGAGE, students will connect their understanding of similarities between parent and offspring to the fundamental molecule of life: DNA. To EXPLORE, students will participate in interactives to observe, analyze and summarize how genes are used to create proteins and traits. In the EXPLAIN section, students will take notes on DNA replication and the Central Dogma. To ELABORATE on their understanding of DNA, students will participate in a protein synthesis race (game) to practice transcription and translation. Formative evaluations of students's ability to explain the process of protein synthesis include (1) a protein synthesis and codon practice sheet, (2) a labeling activity, and (3) making a recording that models and explain the process. As an extension, students can apply their understanding of mRNA to explain how the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines work. Finally, int summative EVALUATE, students model replication, transcription, and translation as they build an organism!

Learn about DNA. Deoxyribonucleic acid is the blueprint for all living things, but it is so small we can’t usually see it. The role of DNA is to provide our cells information on building proteins; these proteins lead to our individual traits such as eye color, height, dimples, and so much more. The structure of DNA is a double helix and we can model this structure at home. This model is based on the work of Rosalind Franklin, a British Chemist who created an X-ray photograph that provided evidence of the double-helix structure of DNA molecules. We can also extract DNA from a living thing, such as a strawberry, at home. The components of this DNA are so small that it does not look like our model; however, with technology scientists can both see the structure and manipulate the structure to change proteins in organisms. The key concepts and terms explored in this episode include DNA, nucleotides, genes, and genetically modified organisms (GMO's).

Students are tasked with creating a model of DNA, which they then photograph and include a written explanation of how the model represents DNA.

Students are tasked with creating a model of DNA and include a typed explanation of how it represents DNA.

Explore the relationship between the genetic code on the DNA strand and the resulting protein and rudimentary shape it forms. Through models of transcription and translation, you will discover this relationship and the resilience to mutations built into our genetic code. Start by exploring DNA's double helix with an interactive 3D model. Highlight base pairs, look at one or both strands, and turn hydrogen bonds on or off. Next, watch an animation of transcription, which creates RNA from DNA, and translation, which 'reads' the RNA codons to create a protein.

Build a gene network! The lac operon is a set of genes which are responsible for the metabolism of lactose in some bacterial cells. Explore the effects of mutations within the lac operon by adding or removing genes from the DNA.

This activity allows students to work through a series of games to learn about DNA, protein bases, and how they combine, dominant and recessive genes, Punnett Squares and genotypes, and phenotypes. 

The Geniverse software is being developed as part of a five-year research project funded by the National Science Foundation. Still in its early stages, a Beta version of the software is currently being piloted in six schools throughout New England. We invite you to try the current Beta version, keeping in mind that you may encounter errors or pages that are not fully functional. If you encounter any problem, it may help to refresh or reload the web page.

Students will participate in a 5E lesson. To ENGAGE, students will connect their understanding of the characteristics of life to the fundamental molecule of life: DNA. To EXPLORE, students will extract DNA from fruit in a hands on (or video of a) lab, and then, students will act as Watson and Crick and use clues to discover the structure of DNA. In the EXPLAIN section, students will use slides to fill out guided notes on the structure of DNA and RNA. To ELABORATE on their understanding of DNA, students can participate in the CRISPR-Cas9 interactive and the Regulation of the Lactase Gene click and learn. Formative evaluations of students's ability to model DNA include (1) using an online interactive, (2) using their bodies as a class, and (3) using a cut and paste model. Finally, the summative EVALUATE is a DNA Model FlipGrid in which students use various materials to construct and explain the structure of DNA.

Discover what controls how fast tiny molecular motors in our body pull through a single strand of DNA. How hard can the motor pull in a tug of war with the optical tweezers? Discover what helps it pull harder. Do all molecular motors behave the same?

Did you ever imagine that you can use light to move a microscopic plastic bead? Explore the forces on the bead or slow time to see the interaction with the laser's electric field. Use the optical tweezers to manipulate a single strand of DNA and explore the physics of tiny molecular motors. Can you get the DNA completely straight or stop the molecular motor?

Proteins carry out the essential functions of life processes through systems of specialized cells. The structure of DNA serves as a code for the production of proteins through the process of protein synthesis. Protein synthesis is a biochemical process that uses information coded in DNA to construct proteins.  The central dogma illustrates the flow of genetic information in this process:  DNA-->RNA-->Proteins.  (Enduring Understandings of BIO.2d).This module was developed by Kris Scheible as part of a Virginia Commonwealth University STEM initiative sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education.

Explore stretching just a single strand of DNA using optical tweezers or fluid flow. Experiment with the forces involved and measure the relationship between the stretched DNA length and the force required to keep it stretched. Is DNA more like a rope or like a spring?

This lesson is designed for a high school biology class, as it is dependent on students having some prior knowledge of the structure of DNA. It reviews/teaches the key features of DNA structure by allowing students to use the engineering design process to create their own DNA models, compare/contrast provided models, and then edit/assess their own designs.

In this GRASP model performance task, students are asked to step into the role of a genetic researcher and apply their knowledge of transcription and translation to discover the cause, treatment, and possible cure for Sickle Cell Anemia. This task is designed for a high school biology course, but could be modified for other Life Science courses.