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DNA Sequencing Simulation
Young scholars simulate the Sanger method of DNA sequencing using color pop-beads as a representation of nucleotides and dideoxynucleotides. Students assemble DNA sequences and run their sequences through a "sequencing gel" and sketch...
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Where's the CAT? a DNA Profiling Simulation.
Students explore DNA technology. Students participate in a simulation to perform at the basic steps of a DNA profile. They observe copies of DNA sequences, construct DNA probes, and discuss outcomes of their experiment.
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Homologous Shoes
Students examine the concept of homology by observing their shoes and those of their classmates. They summarize the observations of everyone's shoes relating it to chromosomes in cells. They share their observations with the class.
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DNA Fingerprinting: You Be the Judge!
Students explore DNA fingerprinting. Students discover how DNA fingerprinting is done and judge the validity. They evaluate the use of certain prints in courts and address the ethics of establishing a national database of fingerprpints.
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Electrophoretic Analysis: DNA Fingerprinting and Evolutionary Divergence
Young scholars examine the principles of electrophoresis. They evaluate both the agarose and polyacrylamide system of molecular separation. In order to bring the concepts of genetics and evolution full circle from DNA to protein,...
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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...
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DNA and Individual Differences
Students list differences between DNA-related terms and create a simple DNA circle map. They order terms including human body, organ, tissue, cell, nucleus, etc. from largest to smallest. They discuss differences and similarities among...
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DNA Week
Learners perform different activities about DNA for a week in order to celebrate DNA Week and raise their awareness of DNA. The teacher is provided with a different theme for each day.
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Building YOU from MOO
Students build protiens according to whether they are suppose to be a plant, a cow, or a person. They discover that all proteins are made from the same amino acids and it is just the order of these amino acids that change.
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Molecular Medicine Comes of Age
Young scholars simulate the roles of employees of two fictional pharmaceutical companies to analyze how human genetic variation at a molecular level helps scientist better understand and treat disease. They explain the molecular...
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Using VNTR Analysis to Identify Guilt at a Crime Scene
Students collect DNA from cheek cells. They compare and contrast the processes of DNA replication and PCR. They discuss how this information can be used to determine guilt at crime scenes.
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DNA Activities
Students work together to identify the structure of DNA. They practice using new vocabulary as well. They create a 3-D model of DNA to complete the lesson.
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Anticodons And Amino Acids Game
Students examine the process of protein synthesis. In small groups, they select an index card, and translate the DNA to an amino acid, and define the words on an anticodon/amino acid chart.
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"Who Done It?" Analysis of Molecular Fingerprints Left At the Scene of the Crime
Students examine different types of DNA fragments. They record and analyze their results. They determine who is the criminal in the story.
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Lost Tribes of Israel
Students examine the issues involved with using DNA evidence in a courtroom trial. They read and discuss a case study of a particular trial, conduct research, and role-play a jury by reporting their verdict and discussing how they...
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How do Restriction Enzymes Work?
Students discover how restriction enzymes work, while learning the importance of restriction enzymes in studying DNA structure.
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Blue Genes: Affect Your Life!
Students, in groups, research, analyze and synthesize information on genetic diseases. After watching a video on genetics, groups perform research on a variety of genetic diseases and present their findings to the class.
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Designer Genes
Students view a video on DNA. They discuss mitosis, meiosis and fertilization. They use strips of paper to simulate fertilization and analyze the genotype and phenotype of the combined chromosomes.
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Who Are We? An Introduction to the Life Within Our Bodies
Students examine cell structure, cell division, and the basic structure of DNA. They read and discuss a case study of DNA research, answer discussion questions, role-play the process of mitosis, and complete a DNA Fact or Fiction worksheet.
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Candy DNA Model Lesson
Students explore DNA structure using materials such as Twizzlers, small colored gumdrops and/or toothpicks.
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Genetic Engineering/Biotechnology
Learners create a paper model of a plasmid and insert a DNA molecule that contains a specific gene into the plasmid. They complete an actual transformation involving E. coli bacterium and relate the two activities to one another.
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Fruit Cup DNA Extraction From Kiwi
Learners extract DNA from kiwi using household equipment and supplies.
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Constructing a Protein Sentence
Fourth graders, in pairs, examine how every cell contains a 'blueprint' coded in DNA molecules. They use a DNA template to determine the m-RNA and t-RNA sequences for protein.
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Decoding DNA
Third graders complete their KWL charts from the first lesson of the unit as a review for the summative. Then they decode a secret message using the four basic components of DNA, adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine.