DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): molecular instructions that guide how all living things develop and function...more
This short activity helps students visualize one of the most important molecules on the planet, DNA. The activity can be done with simple materials found in most homes. We use bananas, but strawberries or other fruit soft enough to mush up can also be used. The activity is written for students at a middle school or higher level, but with more intense guidance, this activity is useful for students of any age.
Time Required: 45 minutes
Classroom set-up:
Tips:
Extensions:
When combined with additional reading from Ask A Biologist, or additional short assignments, this DNA extraction activity can meet several learning standards.
Genetic
Cellular
Objectives
Next Generation Science Standards
High School Life Sciences
HS-LS-1.A: Structure and Function. All cells contain genetic information in the form of DNA molecules. Genes are regions in the DNA that contain the instructions that code for the formation of proteins, which carry out most of the work of cells.
Arizona Science Standards
Strand 4: Life Science
Concept 1: Characteristics of Organisms
Kindergarten PO 1. Distinguish between living things and non-living things.
Grade 6
(Cellular Extension) PO 2. Describe the basic structure of a cell, including: cell wall, cell membrane, and nucleus.
(Cellular Extension) PO 3. Describe the function of each of the following cell parts: cell wall, cell membrane, and nucleus.
(Cellular Extension) PO 4. Differentiate between plant and animal cells.
Concept 2: Molecular Basis of Heredity
Grades 9 – 12 (Genetic Extension) PO 1. Analyze the relationships among nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), genes, and chromosomes.
(Genetic Extension) PO 2. Describe the molecular basis of heredity, in viruses and living things, including DNA replication and protein synthesis.
Grades 6 - 8:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.3
Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.10
By the end of grade 8, read and comprehend science/technical texts in the grades 6-8 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
DNA basics: 8th grade
Getting genetics straight: 8th grade
Building blocks of life: 7th grade
Grades 9 - 10:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.3
Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks, attending to special cases or exceptions defined in the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.3
Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks, attending to special cases or exceptions defined in the text.
Controlling genes: 9th grade
Cells living in cells: 10th grade
Melissa Wilson Sayres. (2016, May 14). DNA Extraction - For Teachers. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved September 5, 2024 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/DNA-activity-teachers
Melissa Wilson Sayres. "DNA Extraction - For Teachers". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 14 May, 2016. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/DNA-activity-teachers
Melissa Wilson Sayres. "DNA Extraction - For Teachers". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 14 May 2016. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 5 Sep 2024. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/DNA-activity-teachers
Watch Biologist Melissa Wilson Sayres as she walks you through this experiment in this 4 minute video.
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