Climbing the Ladder of DNA

MODULE #2

WHAT ARE GENES?

ESTIMATED TIME TO COMPLETE: 90 minutes

MODULE OBJECTIVES:

Students will describe genes as segments of DNA.
Students will use a pedigree to trace the gene that is causing a genetic disorder.
Students will become familiar with using a database to extract information about genomes.

CONCEPT(S) LEARNED IN THIS MODULE:

The genetic code is contained in the structure of the DNA molecule.
Genes are the pieces of DNA that code for a specific protein.

STANDARDS ADDRESSED IN THIS UNIT MODULE (AAAS PROJECT 2061):

Genes are segments of DNA molecules (5b, Grades 9-12, 4).

TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES UTILIZED IN THIS MODULE:

ICanDoThat (http://www.eurekascience.com/ICanDoThat/bacteria_cells.htm)
National Center for Biotechnology Information (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/blast/)
Genetic Science Learning Center (GSLC) (http://www.genetics.utah.edu/section5/sc5afrm.html click on: genetic disorders/thematic units/deafness/map a gene)

Module Overview

Components Brief Description of Module Activities Student
Grouping Materials / Technology

Engagement ICanDoThat- Fictional characters will guide students through the world of DNA. The first three sections (Introduction, Structure, and Genes) are a must read. The remaining two sections (Replication and Detail) will add insight are worthwhile if time permits. Class Internet Access- eurekascience

Exploration National Center for Biotechnology BLAST - students will type in a random sequence of nucleotide bases and generate a portion of a gene which produces a significant alignment with the gene of an organism. Groups Internet Access- NCBI

Explanation Power Point presentation using descriptive pictures, gathered from the internet, to depict genes as portions of DNA. Class Power Point Presentation

Extension What is the particular gene that is causing the whirling disorder (as seen in the pedigree)? Students will align puzzles with pedigree to find the gene that leads to the whirling disorder. Groups Internet Access- GSLC

Evaluation Students will be given a unique pedigree and asked to trace the gene that is causing the genetic disorder. Individual

EXPECTED MODULE OUTCOMES:

Students will be able to search the BLAST database for nucleotide sequences and match those sequences to genomes of organisms (all organisms have the same genetic code!!!). The ability to work with, and become aware of, the extensive genetic research that exists in databases will be useful in the next modules.
Students will use their problem solving skills to trace a gene for a disorder by using a pedigree.

PERFORMANCE-BASED ASSESSMENT OF MODULE OUTCOMES:

Students will examine a pedigree and trace the gene that is causing a particular genetic disorder.

Components	Brief Description of Module Activities	Student Grouping	Materials / Technology
Engagement	ICanDoThat- Fictional characters will guide students through the world of DNA. The first three sections (Introduction, Structure, and Genes) are a must read. The remaining two sections (Replication and Detail) will add insight are worthwhile if time permits.	Class	Internet Access- eurekascience
Exploration	National Center for Biotechnology BLAST - students will type in a random sequence of nucleotide bases and generate a portion of a gene which produces a significant alignment with the gene of an organism.	Groups	Internet Access- NCBI
Explanation	Power Point presentation using descriptive pictures, gathered from the internet, to depict genes as portions of DNA.	Class	Power Point Presentation
Extension	What is the particular gene that is causing the whirling disorder (as seen in the pedigree)? Students will align puzzles with pedigree to find the gene that leads to the whirling disorder.	Groups	Internet Access- GSLC
Evaluation	Students will be given a unique pedigree and asked to trace the gene that is causing the genetic disorder.	Individual

MODULE #2

WHAT ARE GENES?

Module Overview

Unit Flow Chart Unit Description Modules: 1 2 3 4

Unit Flow Chart
Unit Description
Modules: 1 2 3 4