Jillian Romano

Biology
http://ryansuzieandjill.weebly.com

Topic DNA
December 9, 2014
Instructional Objective
After a teacher presentation on the bases of deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA), students will
construct a T chart describing the role of each nitrogenous base with one hundred percent
accuracy in content.
Key Concept
Students will demonstrate their knowledge that organisms inherit genetic information in a variety
of ways that result in a continuity of structure and function between parents and offspring.
Standards and Indicators
New York State Standards for Living Environment: Students will understand and apply
scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living
environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.
This will be evident when students compose a T chart of each nitrogenous base
involved in DNA. This T chart will include the descriptions of each nitrogenous
base involved in DNA.
Common Core Standards for Writing: Text Types and Purposes: Write
informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information
clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
This will be evident when the students construct a T chart developing their
knowledge about DNA and its nitrogenous bases and organizing their thoughts in a
coherent matter.
Motivation
Students will begin by watching a video from the website Brain Pop, which explains DNA and
the key concepts involving its nitrogenous bases.
Materials
Computer, Living Environment Textbook, Projector, Poster Paper, SMART Board, Brain Pop
video on DNA, Index Cards
Strategies
Direct Instruction
This will be evident when the teacher discusses each nitrogenous base of DNA.
Independent Work
This will be evident when students use the living environment textbooks to identify key concepts
about one particular nitrogenous base.

Cooperative Learning
This will be evident when students sit in groups and construct a T chart within their group of
what they know about the nitrogenous bases of DNA.
Adaptations
The student with a cochlear implant will receive a copy of the script of the video to allow her to
follow along.
Differentiated Instruction
Tier 1: After a teacher presentation on the bases of deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA), students
will construct a T chart describing the role of each nitrogenous base with one hundred percent
accuracy in content and students will be assisted with an outline of what DNA is composed of.
Tier 2: After a teacher presentation on the bases of deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA), students
will construct a T chart describing the role of each nitrogenous base with one hundred percent
accuracy in content.
Tier 3: After a teacher presentation on the bases of deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA), students
will construct a T chart describing the role of each nitrogenous base with one hundred percent
accuracy in content and students will perform research on one particular nitrogenous base with
the computers that are provided in the classroom.

Developmental Procedures
The teacher will distribute a worksheet on DNA as the students walk through the door to
complete as their Do Now. (What is DNA? What are nitrogenous bases?)
The teacher will start a Brain Pop video on DNA. (What is DNA? What are the four
main nitrogenous bases?)
The students will complete their Do Now worksheet as they watch the video on DNA.
(What is DNA? What is cytosine?)
The teacher will review the answers to the worksheet with the students. (What is DNA?
What is guanine?)
The teacher will distribute the students homework. (What nitrogenous base does thymine
pair up with? What nitrogenous base does adenine pair up with?)
The teacher will give a brief class presentation of what DNA is, the function, and the
components. (What is DNA? What is DNA made up of?)
Students will use the living environment textbook to identify key concepts about one
particular nitrogenous base involved in DNA. (What is cytosine? What is guanine?)
Students will be placed into groups by the use of numbers in order to create a T chart
on poster paper where they will fill out their assigned nitrogenous base as well as its role
in DNA. (What is the role of thymine? What is the role of guanine?)
The teacher will circulate around the classroom to assist students as deemed necessary. Is
there any confusion? Do we understand the task?)
Students will return to the original seats to find index cards underneath their desk labeled
with a specific nitrogenous base. (Who has an index card underneath their desk? What
does the index card say?)

The teacher will instruct the students to pair up with their correct nitrogenous base
according to what they have learned about nitrogenous bases and DNA structure. They
will form a DNA molecule. (Who has thymine? Who has cytosine?)
Students will return to their seats. (Did that activity help you? What are nitrogenous
bases?)
The teacher will distribute an Exit Ticket for the students to complete. (What does DNA
consist of? What are the four main nitrogenous bases that make up DNA?)

Assessments
Students will construct a T chart describing the role of each nitrogenous base with one hundred
percent accuracy in content.
Independent Practice
At home, students will complete a worksheet on DNA. Students will match the nitrogenous base
to its correct pair up of another nitrogenous base.
Follow-Up: Direct Teacher Intervention and Academic Enrichment
Direct Teacher Intervention: Students will attend an extra help session where the teacher will
guide the student through a SMART Board activity where the student will match nitrogenous
bases to their appropriate match of other nitrogenous bases.
Academic Enrichment: Students will create a drawing of a DNA molecule and label each part.

References
Brain Pop. (2013). Science. DNA. Retrieved from
https://www.brainpop.com/science/cellularlifeandgenetics/
Learn Genetics. Genetic Science Learning Center. Build A DNA Molecule. Retrieved from
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/molecules/builddna/
Miller, K., & Levine, J. (2006). Biology. Pearson Prentice Hall.