Week 7: DNA



This week in lab, the main thing we focused on was DNA. We talked about the structure of DNA and also how it is transferred to children. We watched several videos on the structure of DNA and all the aspects of it, and then we got to create a 3D model of DNA using candy. I thought creating a model of a DNA strand was a good idea. It was cool to be able to use our hands and actually connect A and T and then G and C. It made it very clear which ones always pair with each other. We also did another activity with DNA and we looked at genotype and phenotype. It was really interesting to see how the genotypes of a parent transfer over to their children. It was also cool to see which traits were dominant and recessive. 

I can relate this week's learning to previous science classes I have taken. I have learned about DNA in a high school science class, and then also a biology class I took freshman year of college. This prior knowledge I already had made this week's lab activities easier to understand. I am glad that we did hands-on activities to make it come to life because I did not do activities like this when I first learned about DNA. 

I can see myself using both of this week's activities in my future classroom. Both of these activities were really simple and easy to understand, so I think they would be good to use in an elementary classroom. I think both of these activities gave me a better understanding of DNA, genotypes, and phenotypes. 

Comments

  1. Kamryn Becker - Elementary Science Methods 1March 5, 2025 at 12:53 PM

    Hi Kendra! The candy DNA modeling activity also made it very clear what base pairs go with each other. I think its interesting how A and T can also be T and A then G and C can be C and G. I look forward to using this activity in my future classroom. I think from a young age this activity can be built on top of as students grow older.

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  2. SheaMarch 5, 2025 at 1:24 PM

    Hi Kendra!
    I think your blog post hit on every important aspect from lab this week, great job on that! I also said how I could see myself using these activities of the DNA creation and the gene baby lab in my future classroom. I said I loved how simple they were yet they truly grasped the full concept of the importance of the lesson. Great job!

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  3. Reilly RMarch 5, 2025 at 1:36 PM

    Hi Kendra! I really enjoyed reading your blog this week. I could also see myself using both of this weeks activities into my future classroom. I also though both activities were simple and easy to incorporate into the classroom. These activities both also gave me a better understanding of DNA, genotypes, and phenotypes.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Audrey WardMarch 5, 2025 at 3:18 PM

    Hi Kendra! This is a great post. I also found the candy DNA model helpful when thinking about what base pairs go together. I also think that both of the activities that we did in lab would be great for an elementary classroom because they are engaging and collaborative.

    ReplyDelete
  5. morgan crismanMarch 5, 2025 at 6:24 PM

    Hi Kendra, I really enjoyed your post! I like how you mentioned how you related what you learned in class back to high school classes. I find myself thinking the same thing sometimes, and it's nice to have a refresher on these topics and I think it really helps us understand how we can teach these topics to our future students. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Peyton Wilson Science MethodsMarch 7, 2025 at 9:42 AM

    Hi Kendra!
    I loved reading through your blog post this week. Your DNA Structure is AMAZING. I agree with you, I loved both of the activities we did this week. I also think both of these activities gave me a better understanding of DNA, genotypes, and phenotypes. These are great activities to do with my upper-level students when discussing the traits we received.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Carly BorthMarch 7, 2025 at 11:26 AM

    Hi Kendra! I enjoyed reading your blog this week and hearing your thoughts on lab this week. Similar to you, I remember learning much of this information in previous high school and college science courses. However, I enjoyed our activities this week to enhance my understanding in a fun, interactive way. I also plan on using these activities in my future classroom. Great post!

    ReplyDelete

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