Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
A Gene Is a Discrete Sequence of DNA Nucleotides
Frederick Sanger won two Nobel prizes for protein sequencing and DNA sequencing. Young scientists learn about Dr. Sanger's research and amazing discoveries. They read an article and a biography, view videos and animations, and apply...
Exploratorium
Secret Codon - Write a Message in DNA
String up a message. Pupils string together colored beads to code a word or short phrase. Each color represents one of the four DNA bases. Using a combination of three bases, learners create an amino acid that stand for each letter of...
Curated OER
Genes, DNA, and Mutations
With paper DNA patterns, budding biologists model translation and base-pair substitution within sequences. Through these activities, they examine how mutations can result in genetic disorders. The modeling that occurs is an enlightening...
Science 4 Inquiry
The Monster Mash
Young scientists create monsters by applying their knowledge of transcription and translation. They randomly find the DNA, assign it a codon, and build monsters piece by piece.
Curated OER
How DNA Controls the Workings of the Cell
In this DNA worksheet, students compare the DNA sequence of a human and a cow to complete 4 fill in the blank questions and 4 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Protein Synthesis
In this protein synthesis worksheet, students use a given strand of DNA to write the complimentary base pairs. They transcribe the message to the RNA and then they translate the message into the proper amino acids using the codons on the...
Curated OER
Protein Synthesis
In this protein synthesis learning exercise, students identify the proper amino acids given the mRNA codons. They also identify the mRNA codon given the DNA code and the amino acid it codes for. Students answer questions about protein...
Curated OER
Codons
In this codon worksheet, students use a table showing codons in mRNA to determine how mutations will affect amino acid sequences. This worksheet has 4 fill in the blank and 2 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Sequencing the Cystic Fibrosis Gene: A Simulation
Ninth graders use this activity to simulate the sequencing of gene and to detect the presence of possible genetic defects. They use diagrams that represent bands of nucleotides in order to determine the sequence of a small piece of the...
Curated OER
Nucleic Acids Worksheet
In this nucleic acids activity, students answer twelve questions about DNA and RNA and their structures. They also identify bases in a sequence of DNA that would be transcribed.
Curated OER
Protein Synthesis Worksheet
Future geneticists use base pairing rules to build DNA and RNA polypeptide strands, and then explain both transcription and translation. Although the chains themselves are a little blurry, there is plenty of room in them for learners to...
Curated OER
DNA
For this DNA worksheet, 9th graders read a brief excerpt pertaining to the genetic code and identify how proteins know which cell to create. Then they use the genetic code dictionary to draw a diagram showing the codons for an imaginary...
Curated OER
DNA Coloring - Transcription and Translation
In this DNA worksheet, students review the transcription and translation processes. Students label and color the different parts of a DNA strand. This worksheet has 7 fill in the blank questions.
Curated OER
Sequencing the Cystic Fibrosis Gene: A Simulation
Ninth graders determine nucleotide sequences. They identify those base sequences that are normal, those that are normal variants and those that cause cystic fibrosis. Students use DNA nucleotide sequences to determine amino acid...
Curated OER
Transcription and Translation Lab Activity
Students investigate DNA strands. They study the sequence to determine if it is DNA or RNA and write the mRNA nucleotide sequence. After stringing the beads together to create the mRNA sequence they translate it into an amino acid...
Curated OER
How Mutations Lead to Changes in Cell Structure and Function
Pupils investigate how mutations lead to changes in cell structure and function. They construct an oligonucleotide, identify a protein sequence, design a step-by-step mechanism of how they think cells repair damaged DNA, and prepare and...
Curated OER
Replication, Transcription and Translation Review
How well do your pupils understand DNA, mRNA, and amino acids? This three-page handout will help you assess their comprehension through sequencing questions, fill in the blanks, and labeling diagrams.
Virginia Department of Education
Genetic Variation and Mutations
Young scientists demonstrate their creativity while completing several activities, to assess genetic variations and mutations. Instructors provide a list of options and scientists choose to write a comic strip, create a book, construct a...
Pearson
Transcription
Teach young biologists the language of life with this series of worksheets on DNA. By working through these pages, students expand their understanding of genetics as they learn about the process of transcription and the resulting mRNA...
Virginia Department of Education
DNA Structure, Nucleic Acids, and Proteins
What is in that double helix? Explain intricate concepts with a variety of creative activities in a lesson that incorporates multiple steps to cover DNA structure, nucleic acids, and proteins. Pupils explore the history of DNA structure,...
Curated OER
What Can Pseudogenes Tell Us About Common Ancestry?
Students compare/constrast DNA sequence data for a portion of the rat GULO gene to the corresponding sequence in the inactive GULO gene in humans, chimpanzees, orangutans, and crab-eating macaques by identifying the shared sequences in...
Curated OER
DNA and Protein Synthesis
Tenth graders work with a partner, and copies of the attached worksheet "Amino Acid Codon Table" They discuss ways an organism, obtains and uses proteins. Students view a teacher prepared DNA strand banner, and record the complementary...
Curated OER
Translating Genetic Information
High schoolers explore the process of translation. They determine the correct sequencing and present their strands to the class. In addition, they compare normal red blood cells to sickle cells and complete discussion questions.
Curated OER
Who Stole My Salad?
Eighth graders explain how protein is made in the cell. In this biology lesson, 8th graders translate RNA and DNA using an internet database. They determine the thief based on evidence collected.