Learning Exercise

ENGAGEMENT: I will go over the crucial steps of transcription from DNA to RNA using a power point presentation. Students will take notes on the presentation while I discuss the steps in detail. Students will be asked questions relating to the presentation as I go through it to engage them and assess their learning as we continue. The students will then watch a short video that will help them to visualize these steps in a 3D view. This video will reinforce the steps of protein synthesis and the roles of each of the parts involved. EXPLORATION: Students will assemble into groups of 3 or 4. Each group will receive a number of balloons, some string, and worksheet #1. The students will arrange themselves into 3 or 4 different parts. One student will decipher the mRNA code given to them on their worksheet. They will look at each codon (or three-letter section of the mRNA) and determine which tRNA will bind to the codon by using the genetic code for RNA codons. Another student will take the role of transfer RNA which will blow up the balloons (which represent the amino acid) and tie them, labeling them with their respective amino acid name. The third student will be the ribosomal subunits (in charge of assembling the protein). Any forth student will be a “proofreader” to make sure all the amino acids are coming together in their correct order. When the students have put together the polypeptide in a satisfactory manor—they have shown the instructor and received approval—then they will move on to the worksheet questions. EXPLANATION: Students will continue on the worksheet on their own by answering questions related to the lesson. Once finished, students will turn in their worksheets. EXTENSION: The class session will close up with a discussion about what the students have learned today. Here they will discuss the purpose of a “proofreader.” Did the groups with 3 students have more trouble than groups with 4? If so, why is it important for there to be check-points or a way to repair problems in a biological system? If not, what problems might occur if a mistake in translation is made and never corrected?