Week 7: DNA

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This week, we learned about DNA, RNA, mRNA, and tRNA and all of their purposes. We learned the structure of DNA and created models of it using Twizzlers and Dots. We also checked in on our fast plants, which have started to form seed pods, and our caterpillars, which have turned into butterflies. We also learned about genes and how babies get their genes from their parents and did the baby lab. 

I already knew about DNA and RNA, but this was a nice refresher on their structures and purposes. I knew of mRNA and tRNA, but I wasn't sure what they exactly did, so this lab was helpful in clarifying that for me. I also already knew about dominant and recessive genes and how they are expressed. I think it would be interesting to talk more about how this works with blood types and skin color, which are determined by multiple genes. 

I think the DNA modeling activity we did was really fun and engaging, so I would definitely use that in my future classroom/teaching. I think I would modify it so that each student makes their own, so they can eat the candy afterward so we wouldn't waste any and I think students would enjoy that more, too. I think making models out of candy is a great idea for my future classroom. I'm curious what other models would work well in candy form. 






Comments

  1. Macy EngelmannMarch 6, 2025 at 10:56 AM

    Hi Katelyn, I also agree that the DNA activity was a lot of fun. Kids would definitely have fun playing with candy and then being able to eat it after. Your question also makes me wonder what other models will work with candy.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Adrianna YoungMarch 9, 2025 at 7:00 PM

    I agree heavily with the refresher aspect of this week since it is not something we typically redress our of schooling unless it is a target career. If this topic were to lean more into skin color, that would make for a good segway into talking about race and such! Eating the candy is a must. Thank you Katelyn

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