Artifacts
DNA Replication Worksheet
The importance of this worksheet is to allow the students practice DNA Replication and describe the roles of the molecules for DNA Replication. The students will learn which base pairings go with each other and how DNA replication makes copies of DNA, which is found to be of importance as to pass our heritance to our offspring and also gives us variations in our species. Also, the students will answer questions on process of DNA replication and allow them to explore how mutations can occur during replication which changes the species DNA and possibly changing the protein production in the species as well.
Building and Replicating DNA
This activity gives the students an opportunity to learn how DNA is created and the structural base of DNA. Once the students build their model out of licorice, color marshmallows and toothpicks, the students can replicate the leading and lagging strands of the DNA. The students will explain the process of DNA replication and the role of molecules during this process.
Krispy Synthesis
This activity allows the students to see the process of protein synthesis. The students will be assigned to different roles within their group as they are assigned either as being a tRNA, rRNA or mRNA molecules. The students will perform these roles in order to create their protein (rice kripsy treats) from the amino acid (ingredients). The students will be given materials and the ingredients once they transcribe the DNA in the nucleus and translate the RNA in the ribosome in order to make a protein. The students will be graded on according to the group’s ability to work cooperatively and according to what the protein looks like by the end of the period. The students want to create a non-mutated protein. If not, the teacher will give them another ingredient (gummy bears) which will cause their rice krispies to turn into cement in order to represent a mutation.
Transcription and Translation Multiple Intelligence Lesson Plan
The Transcription and Translation lesson plan incorporates multiple intelligence into the lesson. Multiple intelligence is a framework for delivering curriculum in which there is variety of ways to match how students learn. Thus, this increases the likelihood of matching learning styles with the students learning style. The vertical motion activity encourages students to have a choice in order to demonstrate their understanding of the content. This type of model (transcription and translation) uses a variety of learning strategies in order for the students to develop a deeper understanding of the content. The students will be able to form connections with the transcription and translation and apply their knowledge in a meaningful way with their peers. This activity gives the students a learning opportunity to demonstrate evidence of learning beyond the text and worksheets and allows the students to become active learners in the classroom.
Discussion on Genetic Engineering
The students will be given a choice of articles about the pros and cons of Genetic Engineering. The students will read the articles, and write a one page reflection about the main ideas from the article. This will give the students an opportunity to read a science journal from a scientific lens. Then, the students will reflect about the articles main points at least in two paragraphs. This will allow the students to share their perspectives to their peers in the group. Lastly, the class will have a discussion on what they learned from the articles. This will allow the students to voice their opinion about genetic engineering and its role in society.
Gattaca
The students will watch Gattaca in order for them see how pop media culture portrays genetic engineering in this utopian society. After watching the movie the class will have discussion time. The students should learn how DNA determines the role of the individuals in the society as well as how the movie portrayed the positive and negatives of genetic engineering. The students will reflect by writing one paragraph answering the prearranged questions. The students will reflect how their perspective is after watching the movie.
Recombinant DNA Activity
The last activity allows students to explore recombinant DNA and the role of recombinant DNA technology. The students will learn how enzymes, like EcoRI can cut out some segments of the DNA sequences, which affects DNA replication, transcription and translation. Lastly, the students will look at the positives and negatives of cloning.
At the end of each lesson, the students will complete an exit pass before they leave. The students are encouraged to write down one thing they understood and one thing which confused or it they didn’t understand today’s class lesson. This gives the teacher feedback on what he/she may need to explain in the next class period and/or how to improve his/her instruction.
At the end of each lesson, the students will complete an exit pass before they leave. The students are encouraged to write down one thing they understood and one thing which confused or it they didn’t understand today’s class lesson. This gives the teacher feedback on what he/she may need to explain in the next class period and/or how to improve his/her instruction.