Arizona STEM
Acceleration Project
DNA Mutation
DNA Mutations
A 8th grade STEM lesson
Tyler Vargas
6/7/2024
Notes for Teachers
List of Materials:
Science Standards:
8.L3U3.10 (NGSS-P: MS-LS3-2): Construct an explanation of how genetic variations occur in offspring through the inheritance of traits or through mutations.
SC08-S1C4-02: This standard builds on the previous one. Students should be able to choose the appropriate graphic representation for their collected data. This could include:
Science and Engineering Practices
7.SP.2
Uses random samples to draw inferences about a population. This standard goes beyond graphing and delves into statistical analysis using samples to understand broader trends.
8.SP.1
Understands that correlation does not necessarily imply causation. This builds on scatter plots by highlighting the distinction between correlation (association) and causation (direct cause-and-effect).
Objectives:
Students will be able to correctly match complementary base pairs (adenine-thymine, guanine-cytosine) in a given DNA sequence.
Students will be able to create a graph (e.g., bar graph, line graph) showing mutation rates for different scenarios (e.g., exposure to environmental factors, different species).
Given two DNA sequences, students will be able to calculate the mutation rate as the number of mutations divided by the total number of base pairs compared.
Agenda (60 minutes)
-How is DNA replicated? What is a mutation?
-Cosmos A Spacetime Odyssey | Natural Selection -video
-DNA replication game
-graphing mutations
What is DNA?
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid, more commonly known as DNA, is a complex molecule that contains all of the information necessary to build and maintain an organism.
All living things have DNA within their cells. In fact, nearly every cell in a multicellular organism possesses the full set of DNA required for that organism.
Mutations
Genetic mutations are changes to DNA sequence that happen during cell division when cells make copies of themselves. DNA tells your body how to form and function.
Genetic mutations could lead to genetic conditions like cancer, or they could help organisms better adapt to their environment over time.
Cosmos A Spacetime Odyssey
Natural
Selection
& Mutations
Hands-On Activity Instructions
In groups of 2- 4, students will select one person to translate the RNA strand from a different area of the room or hallway. This person will instruct the other students how the DNA base pairs are sequenced.
Constraints:
Hands-On Activity (continued)
Students can be given 3-6 rounds or sections of RNA with each one progressively getting longer.
Intentional distractions (environmental mutations) can be encouraged to demonstrate the difference between natural and environmental mutations.
DNA sequenced mistakes should be kept track of each round. This mutations are then added up and graphed. Notes should be added where there were more significant mutations due to environmental factors on the graph.
Model
RNA section
Complementary base pair
Science
Assessment
RNA sequence:
Math Assessment
Graph with corresponding data from mutations with “natural” and “environmental” mutations labeled
Identify trends and correlations in the data
Differentiation
Student can remain with 3 pairs to match up.
Student can be given a key showing which base pairs match up or the paper can be cut in a way which specific pieces only fit with each other.
Environmental distractions can be eliminated.
Remediation
Extension/Enrichment
Student can identify specific types of mutations in their RNA sequence.
Various types of distractions or mutations can be imposed increasing the likelihood of mistakes.
Graphs can have various mutation thresholds representing safe vs threatening mutations.