Karen A. Beitler
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DNA Twizzler/Marshmellow Lab
Background Information
Students should have read and understand the chapter on DNA replication. It is important that students know the base pairs and understand the bonds that hold these bases together. The student will demonstrate his or her knowledge of the process of replication by completing this activity.
Materials Needed (For Each Group) 2 Twizzlers or similar type of candy 7 toothpicks 14 colored marshmallows (a variety of 4 colors) trays Index Cards with 7 bases listed Cooperative Attitude
Lesson
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- Each material represents: Marshmallows= Base, Toothpicks= Hydrogen Bond, Twizzlers=Phosphate and Sugar (trays are to keep their materials on)
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- Devise a key for the colors of marshmallows (which base equals which color)
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- Each group has an index card that lists the bases for a strand of DNA.
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- The students will construct the given strand of DNA.
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- The students will construct the other strand through replication.
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- After matching the bases, students add the second Twizzlers.
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- The students twist the Twizzlers in order to make the winding staircase design.
Conclusion
Students will write the missing strand of DNA on the index card. Each group will present their DNA strand to the class and answer one question on the topic of DNA. The group will turn in their index card and may eat their strand of DNA if they choose to.
Evaluation Each individual will be evaluated by using the following rubric.
(table available in print form)
14-16= A, 11-13= B, 8-10= C, 10>=F
Total______of 16pts.