Introduction to DNA Lesson Plan

Description (1-2 sentences): In this lesson, students will discover the structure and function of DNA and work in pairs to crack a secret code in the DNA sequence. Subject: Science Instruction time: 40 minutes Students level by grade: 8th grade science Standard(s) to be addressed: Life Science Standard 3: Understand reproduction, heredity, adaptations, and diversity of life Learning Objectives that meet the standard(s) above (no more than three objective objectives): Identify the structure of DNA Name the Nitrogen bases of DNA Read a DNA sequence and create a corresponding sequence Essential questions for this lesson: What is genetics? How are traits passed from a parent to offspring? What are genes? What does a DNA molecule look like? What holds a DNA molecule together? If the DNA is a long strand, how does your body know which proteins to make and what part of the DNA to look at? Why might we want to know what nitrogenous base corresponds to another? Motivational strategies that you will use: Positive feedback Engaging game Type of instructional method(s) used in this lesson: Large group discussion Small group activity Reading Lesson ProceduresList carefully and completely (What will the students do?): 1.) Students will be asked what is genetics? and when parents conceive an offspring, how is it possible that the offspring looks like the parent? and Where does our body store that information? This will lead to the introduction of DNA. 2.) The teacher will ask who has seen a DNA molecule before? The students who raise their hands will be asked what does a DNA molecule look like? 3.) The students will describe a DNA molecule. The teacher will ask If DNA is a double helix, what holds the two strands together? This will lead to the introduction of Nitrogenous Bases. Each base will be written on the board and its corresponding base will be matched with it. 4.) The teacher will then ask if the DNA is a long strand, how does your body know what part of the DNA to look at? This will lead to the introduction of genes (a sequence of code that contains the information for one specific protein or trait) Cells contain about 35000 genes.

5.) The three base code concept will be discussed and the cracking the code activity will be introduced. 6.) The students will work in pairs to create a corresponding DNA sequence. Once a team is finished, the students will come to the teacher to have their work checked and a new sequence will be given. After the second sequence the code will be given to the groups. The students will figure out the letters and attempt to unscramble the phrase. 7.) For the advanced students who finish early, a reading packet will be given that dives into RNA. Technology needed for this lesson to be successful: ELMO Printout of reading Printout of DNA bases Picture of DNA molecule Chalkboard Adaptations needed to meet student needs: Students will work in pairs to address any discrepancies in their knowledge base Assignment (what happens after the lesson; if no assignment, write none): None Assessment of objectives for today (how do you know what students learned?): Questioning Completion of code activity