Today’s quiz consisted of 8 multiple choice questions and 4 short answer questions. Students were tested on knowledge of DNA structure, Central Dogma vocabulary, and knowledge of how DNA codes for proteins (with an emphasis on understanding the major types of DNA mutations and associated consequences to amino acid sequences). Students were also challenged to explain how they might apply the power of genetics to solve a problem of interest to them. After the quiz, students were assigned chromosomes in advance of tomorrow’s work on the Chromosome Project. Tomorrow we will meet in computer lab 245.
All posts by David Swart
Central Dogma: The New Genetics – Chapter 1
In preparation for the quiz tomorrow, students read chapter 1 of The New Genetics. The rest of the book is available to read online through the NIH’s National Institute of General Medical Sciences website. Paper copies are available through the NIGMS website as well – for free!
Central Dogma: Structure and Function of Genes
We revisited our discussion of DNA, learning how chromosomes consist of DNA (and histone proteins), and segments of chromosomes encode for genes. Students watched an animation of gene transcription and translation, and then practiced mutating DNA sequences. The lesson can be viewed here.
Central Dogma: Case Study of Cystic Fibrosis
Because of the short week, today was a full schedule Friday. We took advantage of the longer class period by learning about the stop codon, focusing on cystic fibrosis as a model disease caused by a genetic mutation which introduces a premature stop codon in about 10% of people with CF. After watching an inspiring music video about a 15-year-old young man with CF, students learned more about the disease and genetic mutations in general. We finished with a game where students practiced converting amino acid sequences to RNA and then replacing individual bases to create stop codons. The lesson plan, along with example sequences from the game can be found here.
Central Dogma: The Double Helix
Content Objective: Describe the structure of chromosomes, DNA, genes, and proteins.
Language Objective: Explain the scientific process modeled by Watson & Crick.
Entry Task: Is failure part of the scientific process? Why or why not? Explain your thinking in at least 4 sentences. Draw a picture for bonus points!
Students then watched The Double Helix video (below) and answered the worksheet questions. After the video, we shared out responses to questions 1-10.
Central Dogma: Unit 4 Exam Review
Here are the slides for today. Exam revisions due this Friday.
Central Dogma: Procedure Quiz
Students had the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in the skill of writing a Procedure. They were provided with an EOC-style procedure writing task directly related to the strawberry DNA extraction experiment from yesterday. During the last 15 minutes of class, students watched the Stranger Visions video to learn how their human DNA can be used to construct 3-D printed models of faces.
Central Dogma: DNA Extraction
After reviewing the Unit 4 final exams, it was evident students need additional practice writing scientific procedures. Today, students were tasked with watching a short video of DNA extraction from a strawberry, writing a procedure for the experiment, and then working with their table partner to complete the experiment. By having to follow their own procedure, the concept of writing a procedure in enough detail for someone else to follow it was reinforced. Students will use the procedures they wrote today to help them write a related procedure tomorrow. Click here for today’s lesson and review the strawberry DNA extraction video below.
Central Dogma: Molecular Bonds
After spending the first half of class reviewing the DNA base pairing worksheet from Tuesday, we moved ahead with a survey of molecular bonds. We focused on covalent and hydrogen bonds, with water molecules as our model molecules. Students used the molecular modeling kits to model the interactions of water molecules at different temperatures before moving on to modeling the interactions of DNA nucleotides. The lesson can be downloaded here.
Central Dogma: DNA base pairing
With all of the HHS science teaching staff participating in a Studio Day, students were tasked with completing a DNA base pairing worksheet with guidance from a substitute teacher. Students learned that in complementary DNA strands, A pairs with T and C pairs with G. When RNA is transcribed from DNA, the rules are the same with one exception: mRNA uses U instead of T, so in a DNA:RNA pairing, the A in DNA pairs with U in RNA. Students went on to learn about codons (adjacent sets of 3 RNA bases) and learned how codons code for amino acids. Students learned how to write the 3-letter and 1-letter amino acid abbreviations, and solved the amino acid structure from a DNA strand, as well as solved a DNA strand from a short amino acid sequence.
Science with Swart 
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