Lesson 5: Engineered Life

Suggested Time: 60 mins
Overview
Students will start with the basics of DNA, looking at its chemical components and relating it to the big picture of how all life works and sustains itself. Then, working in groups, they will build models of the DNA Double Helix and the transcription process, and extract their own autosomal DNA just like in a laboratory.
Vocabulary
Objectives
Required Project Materials
Multimedia Resources
Optional Multimedia Resources
Before the Lesson/ Background Information
The Lesson
Part 1: Genes and Food (20 mins)
  1. Show “What is DNA and How Does it Work?” Go back over the vocabulary and concepts.
  2. What does food have to do with DNA? What does the cell use as its fuel source? Does DNA dictate what kinds of food you can eat? Allow students to explore “The Science of Candy” and “Food4Me Science”. Introduce the book Food, Genes, and Culture: Eating Right for Your Origins .
Part 2: DNA Laboratory (40 mins)*
1. Students will perform experiments from the DNA extraction kit or build models using the DNA Replications and Transcriptions set.
*Students may conduct activities using the DNA Laboratory kits throughout the semester, as they have time. Pepper appropriate assignments throughout the semester depending on your students’ interests.
Homework: