DNA Modeling

Link to DNA Rubric

Cell Division and DNA

We are going to continue our work with Cell Reproduction.  Specifically we are going to look at DNA and how it makes up the chromosomes in your body.

The following are two great readings on DNA.
1. Science for Kids Link- DNA
2. Kidipede - Genetics for Kids


Here is a link to an interactive site on DNA:
1. Tour of the Basics  - from the University of Utah - Choose "What is a Chromosome?"
2. DNA Base Pairing- Interactive.

Here are two good videos explaining the relationship between DNA, genes, histones, chromatin, chromatids, and chromosomes.

Structure of DNA

Here is the video on Chromosome wrapping and DNA Synthesis
(Watch until 2:55)



Here is the link to the Nobel Prize Game on DNA Replication.


The following is a link to a reading on DNA's structure and composition.

The Guide- DNA's Chemical Composition and Structure.

Here are two images of the make-up of DNA.
In both of these images you can see the "ladder" sides are made up of a sugar and phosphate, where the central rungs are made up of nitrogen base pairs (A,G,T and C).

We will be constructing DNA models using one of the three methods:

• Bead Jewelry
• Origami or
• Candy

The point of the activity is to be able to correctly identify the smaller parts that make up a strand of DNA.