Central Dogma in Motion

The purpose of this activity is to demonstrate to the biology student that the cell is not a static object.  Students will act out the steps of Central Dogma, with a focus on DNA transcription, mRNA translation.  Students will know how to translate the genetic code.  The students will be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the Central Dogma, from DNA transcription to protein synthesis through active participation in a cooperative group. Two learning strategies that appeal to many teenagers are kinesthetic activities and analogies. This activity contains both of these and is found at the listed web site as the third activity under Biology/Life Science.

Microsoft Office document icon Central Dogma in Motion Document

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 
  • Students will act out the steps of Central Dogma, with a focus on DNA transcription, mRNA translation.  
  • Students will know how to translate the genetic code.  
  • The students will be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the Central Dogma, from DNA transcription to protein synthesis through active participation in a cooperative group.  
     

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying
Differentiation suggestions: 

Teacher’s Tips:

  • High school students are very wary to touch each other.  For TEAM DNA, perhaps you can suggest minimal contact ideas to represent phosphate bonds.
  • It may be helpful to assign team captains.  Students have a tendency to just sit around if someone is not leading them.
  • It might be a good idea to break things up.  Perhaps have one day transcription and one day translation.  For some students, there is too much going on!  Could be hectic depending on your students.
  • If students acted out DNA replication in a previous lesson, that might give them a good starting point for this lesson.  They can use the same DNA actions for transcription.  This will give the whole class a reference point for this lesson.
  • Encourage inter-team interaction.
  • This is not designed as a competition but you can modify it for one.
     

References

Contributors: 
Dale Rudolph
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation