Lesson One - Review and Protein Synthesis Overview
- Review concepts: protein structure, DNA structure, and DNA replication
- Address misconceptions. Reiterate the purpose of protein synthesis.
- Teach new concepts such as the Central Dogma, RNA (tRNA, mRNA, and rRNA), and the Genetic Code.
- Give students a chance to familiarize themselves with the codon chart and learn how to navigate through it
Lesson One Teaching Ideas
- To familiarize themselves with the codon chart, students can play Amino Acid Bingo!
- Click the image to download the handout
Lesson Two- Transcription
- Use visual models, animated videos, and simulations to outline the process of transcription.
- Follow-up with general discussion and question-asking period from students in order to address any confusion or misconceptions that may have developed
Lesson Three- Translation
- Use visual models, animated videos, and simulations to outline the process of translation.
- Give students the opportunity to play on the Spongelab Interactive™ Translation Game.
- Follow-up with general discussion and question-asking period from students in order to address any confusion or misconceptions that may have developed
Lesson Three Teaching Ideas
- Allow students to play the Translation Game on Spongelab Interactive™. Here they can gain a more hands-on experience with the process of Translation.
- Click the image to be redirected to the game on the Spongelab website. *Note: you must be logged into the Spongelab website before clicking for the link to take you directly to the game*
Lesson Four- Control Mechanisms
- Overview of types of controls (transcriptional, posttranscriptional etc.)
- Use visual models, animated videos, and simulations to outline the lac and the trp operon.
- Follow-up with general discussion and question-asking period from students in order to address any confusion or misconceptions that may have developed
Lesson Four Teaching Ideas
- Allow students to play the Lac Operon game from Spongelab Interactive™. Here they can gain a more hands-on experience with the Lac Operon and its functions.*Note: you must be logged into the Spongelab website before clicking for the link to take you directly to the game*
- Lac Operon Game Click to follow the link!
- Below is a video that explains the Trp Operon. This also provides a visual to help students further their understanding.
Lesson Five- Gene Mutations
- Discussion of common misconceptions
- Types of mutations
- Class brainstorming on the causing of mutations
Lesson Six- Chapter Test
- Give students a few minutes to collect their thoughts and relax before the test
- Complete the chapter test