Central Dogma in Motion

The purpose of this activity is to demonstrate to the biology student that the cell is not a static object. Students will act out the steps of Central Dogma, with a focus on DNA transcription, mRNA translation. Students will know how to translate the genetic code. The students will be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the Central Dogma, from DNA transcription to protein synthesis through active participation in a cooperative group. Two learning strategies that appeal to many teenagers are kinesthetic activities and analogies. This activity contains both of these and is found at the listed web site as the third activity under Biology/Life Science.

Central Dogma in Motion Document

Standards & Objectives

Academic standards

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.2: Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating a command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grades 11-12...
CLE 3003.2.6: Deliver effective oral presentations.
CLE 3003.2.7: Participate in work teams and group discussions.
CLE 3005.2.6: Deliver effective oral presentations.
CLE 3005.2.7: Participate in work teams and group discussions.
CLE 3210.4.1: Investigate how genetic information is encoded in nucleic acids.
CLE 3210.4.2: Describe the relationships among genes, chromosomes, proteins, and hereditary traits.
TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.CC.1: Initiate and participate effectively with varied partners in a range of collaborative discussions on appropriate 11th - 12th grade topics, texts, and...
TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.CC.2: Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media formats in order to make informed decisions and solve problems; evaluate the...
TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.PKI.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective so that listeners can follow the line of reasoning;...
TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.PKI.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.

Alignment of this item to academic standards is based on recommendations from content creators, resource curators, and visitors to this website. It is the responsibility of each educator to verify that the materials are appropriate for your content area, aligned to current academic standards, and will be beneficial to your specific students.

Learning objectives:

Students will act out the steps of Central Dogma, with a focus on DNA transcription, mRNA translation.
Students will know how to translate the genetic code.
The students will be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the Central Dogma, from DNA transcription to protein synthesis through active participation in a cooperative group.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level:

Applying

Differentiation suggestions:

Teacher’s Tips:

High school students are very wary to touch each other. For TEAM DNA, perhaps you can suggest minimal contact ideas to represent phosphate bonds.
It may be helpful to assign team captains. Students have a tendency to just sit around if someone is not leading them.
It might be a good idea to break things up. Perhaps have one day transcription and one day translation. For some students, there is too much going on! Could be hectic depending on your students.
If students acted out DNA replication in a previous lesson, that might give them a good starting point for this lesson. They can use the same DNA actions for transcription. This will give the whole class a reference point for this lesson.
Encourage inter-team interaction.
This is not designed as a competition but you can modify it for one.

References

Contributors:

Dale Rudolph

Originator:

Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation