DNA, RNA, and Protein Synthesis High School

Biology

DNA, RNA, Protein Synthesis, Molecular Genetics

Ben Cloutier

RSU#9

This unit will focus on the structure and function of DNA. Students will understand the
basic molecular features of DNA and how these contribute to the role of DNA inside a
cell. Students will learn how DNA replicates itself and why this is critical for growth and
reproduction. Students will further understand how DNA is used to construct proteins via
the process of protein synthesis. They will learn how DNA's code is copied (transcription)
and made into a protein (translation). By the end of this unit, students will realize that
DNA is the blueprint for all life on earth.

Next Generation Science
Content Area: Life Science
Standard Label: HS-LS3 Heredity:
Inheritance and Variation of Traits
Grade Level Span: High School
Standard: HS-LS3.1: Structure and Function: Ask
questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA
and chromosomes in coding the instructions for
characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.
Performance Indicators: LS1.A: Structure and Function;
LS3.A: Inheritance of Traits

DNA is the basis for making flesh and blood.

DNA includes the instructions for building proteins.
DNA is a molecule composed of several parts.

How does a protein arise from DNA?

How does DNA carry the instructions for building a protein?
Why is DNA important to life?

Vocabulary: DNA, Nucleic Acid, Nucleotide, Polymer,

Monomer, Double Helix, Purine, Pyrimidine, Hydrogen
Bond, Replication, DNA Polymerase, RNA Polymerase,
Helicase, Transcription, Translation, Nucleus, Ribosome,
Cytoplasm, mRNA, tRNA, Codon, Anticodon, Amino Acid,
Polypeptide, Peptide Bond
Steps of a Process: The major steps of DNA replication,
transcription, and translation.
Critical Details: Where each process takes place inside a
cell; major details of each process; importance of each
process; key features of each process.
describe the basis for making flesh and
blood.
illustrate DNA including the instructions for
building a protein.
build a DNA molecule composed of several
parts.
analyze DNA as a molecule composed of
several parts.
consider DNA as a blueprint for making
proteins.
realize that DNA is the basis for making an
Goal: To present your newly discovered findings on protein synthesis.
Role: You are scientist who recently discovered the secrets of DNA.
Audience: Scientists attending scientific conference.
Situation: You are presenting at the 9th Annual Personalized and Precision Medicine
Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Product/Presentation: You will create a screencast to present what you know about
DNA and protein synthesis.
Standards (six categories for each rubric)
Presentation Rubric: Preparedness 20%, Speaks Clearly 20%, Volume 20%,
Enthusiasm 15%, Posture/Eye Contact 15%, Stays on Topic 10%
Product Rubric: Content 20%, Narration 20%, Images 20%, Lay Out 15%, Text 15%,
Citations 10%

iMovie/Song: Students will make a song or movie that describes how proteins arise from DNA.
Digital Poster: Students will create a digital scientific poster that illustrates protein synthesis.
Virtual Model: Students will use online software that can be used to build a DNA molecule.
iBook: Students will create an iBook to show their understanding of DNA replication.
Digital Brochure: Students will create a digital brochure that provides the steps for building a protein.
Video/Skit: Students will create a skit that shows how DNA builds a protein. Students will record and
present their skit.

Pre-Assessment: Students will take a survey of what they already know about DNA.
Checking for Understanding: Fist to Five, Student Conferences, Quick Write,
Colored Cups, 3-2-1, Index Cards
Timely Feedback: Self, Peer, Teacher
 DNA is the basis for making flesh and blood. Next Generation Science Standards
DNA includes the instructions for building proteins. Life Science
DNA is a molecule composed of several parts. HS-LS3.1: Heredity: Inheritance and Variation
of Traits

DNA and RNA Protein Synthesis

You've just discovered the secrets of DNA and how it is used to make proteins. This is a
huge discovery! You want to present your findings quickly, and without having to write a
long and boring scientific paper. What better way than a screencast? This year, at the 9th
Annual Personalized and Precision Medicine Conference in Orlando, Florida, you will
present a screencast that clearly demonstrates your understanding of DNA's role inside a
cell. Your screencast will be shown to an audience of scientists in the fields of molecular
genetics, cell biology, and medicine.

Screencast Oral Presentation

By what criteria will student products/performances be evaluated?

Content 20% Preparedness 20%

Narration 20% Speaks Clearly 20%
Images 20% Volume 20%
Lay Out 15% Enthusiasm 15%
Text 15% Posture and Eye Contact 15%
Citations 10% Stays on Topic 10%