Digital Unit Plan Template
Unit Title: Protein
Power
Content Area: Biology (Cell and Molecular Biology)
Name: Jessica
Malinchak
th
th
Grade Level: 9 -12 grade
CA Content Standard(s)/Common Core Standard(s):
HS-LS1-1. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of
proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
HS-LS1-2. Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide
specific functions within multicellular organisms.
HS-LS1-3. Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.
Big Ideas:
Essential Question: What is the power of protein? What is protein and why is it important?
Unit Question: How is protein structure related to its function?
Content Question: How is protein synthesized?
Unit Goals and Objectives:
1. Students will be able to list and summarize the two steps (transcription and translation) of the central dogma
in writing.
2. Students will be able to compare the steps and molecular components of transcription and translation using a
graphic organizer.
3. Students will be able to categorize the structures (primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary) and functions
(enzyme, antibody, DNA-associated, contractile, structural, hormone, or transport) of given proteins when
given a worksheet.
4. Students will be able to predict the function of a protein when given background information and the structure
of the protein.
5. Students will be able to practice protein lab techniques in class and during lab homework assignments.
6. Students will be able to explain the importance of protein by creatively designing a group research project to
investigate and share the importance of a specific protein.
Unit Summary:
In this unit, students will engage in class activities that will help them understand the power of protein! Together, we
will identify common misconceptions about protein and develop a proper understanding of the importance, make-up,
structure, function, and synthesis of protein. The first lesson will begin with a class discussion of protein within our
everyday life and a detailed overview of the central dogma steps that allow for the synthesis of protein. The second
lesson allows students to utilize 21st century technology skills by investigating information on reliable science
websites about protein structure and function. The third lesson helps students organize important protein lab
procedures and results into graphic organizers. At the end of the unit plan, students will be able to work
collaboratively in pairs and groups to hypothesize the function of a protein and research the importance of a protein.
Assessment Plan:
Entry-Level:
1. Communication Strategy (Criss
Cross Puzzle): Each student will
be given a criss cross puzzle or can
download the file from the unit
plan site. At the beginning of
the unit plan before any lessons,
students will be asked to review the
important parts of an eukaryotic
cell using the criss cross puzzle.
This activity can be completed
individually or with a partner. This
activity will help students to tap
into prior knowledge about the
parts of the cell.
Formative:
1. Organization Strategy (Guided
Notes): During the lecture 1
presentation, students will have guided
notes which will be completed as the
lecture progresses. The guided notes
consist of a chart with pictures,
questions, and space for notes. As the
teacher asks students to find these
features during the presentation,
students will write important pieces of
information in the space
provided. During the lesson, the teacher
will check to see if the students have
identified the correct parts of protein
Summative:
1. Collaboration
Strategy
(Research
Project): After
lesson 3, students
will be asked to
work in groups of
4 or 5 to research
and present on a
specific protein
that can cause a
disease when
mutated or
missing. Students
2. Interaction Strategy (Prediction
Circles): Each student will have a
picture of an eukaryotic cell with
labeled cellular components on the
guided notes. At the beginning of
lesson 1, students will be asked to
predict which parts of the cell
are involved in making protein by
circling and briefly explaining with
one sentence. This activity can be
completed individually or with a
partner. This activity will help
students to tap into
prior knowledge about the parts of
the cell to be able to visualize
protein synthesis within the cell.
3. Communication Strategy
(Class Discussion): During the
beginning of lesson 1, students will
be asked to participate in a
class discussion that involves
defining "protein" and sharing
ideas as to why protein is important
within biology and real world
experiences. This activity will help
students to tap into
prior knowledge about protein so
synthesis by walking around the room
and checking their guided notes
throughout the presentation.
2. Presentation Strategy (Digital
Poster): Protein synthesis terms will be
defined during lesson 1 and students
will be able to write about the terms
using the guided notes. For extra
practice with the new terms, students
will be directed to complete a group
digital poster on the Padlet Site towards
the end of the lesson. Students will
be separated into groups of 3 and given
10 minutes to create a digital poster for
one given term using class computers.
Students will need to use visuals and/or
videos with text to define the specific
term. This activity will help students to
practice vocabulary, strengthen
technology skills, and
create multimedia examples of
vocabulary words for the class to use as
extra review for the short essay
assessment at the end of the unit
plan. Click the green Padlet Site word
above to go to the proper site.
3. Communication Strategy
will be given: 1. a
set of guidelines
for the research
and
presentation and 2.
a rubric that shows
students how
the presentation
(content and skills)
will be
evaluated. Student
s will use Google
docs to organize
and
present research.
2. Interaction
Strategy (Short
Essay): After the
research project, a
final short essay
assessment will be
given to students
to assess the
acquisition of the
big ideas of the
unit plan. Students
will be given a
prompt that
they will be able to understand
the relevance of protein within real
world experiences.
4. Collaboration Strategy
(Class Discussion): During
the beginning of lesson 3, students
will be asked to participate in a
class discussion that involves
identifying correct and incorrect lab
safety techniques. Pictures of Walt
from Breaking Bad and George W.
Bush within the lab will be
displayed within the short teacher
lecture. Students will be given time
to analyze the pictures and identify
good and bad lab technique. This
activity will help students to tap
into prior knowledge about lab
safety so they will be able to
understand the importance of
proper lab technique.
(Poem/Rap): After lesson 1, students
will be told to listen to the protein
synthesis rap on the last slide of the
lecture and to read the lyrics on
the guided notes. This rap is used to
show students an example of a creative
summary and to inspire them to write
their own rap/poem that summarizes
and compares transcription and
translation as a homework
assignment. The creative summary
needs to be at least five full sentences.
It doesn’t have to rhyme but extra
credit points will be given to fun and
creative work! This assignment will
help students practice summary
writing.
4. Collection Strategy (Webercise):
During lesson 2, the webercise will be
completed. This activity will require
students to access given internet sites
and answer questions about the
information provided on the sites. The
questions in the webercise
are separated by topic and site. The
webercise will be completed outside
and inside of class time.
describes a
specific
protein's structure,
gives clues to the
protein's function,
and explains the
harmful effects
when the protein is
mutated. Students
have to predict the
function of the
protein and
describe how the
protein obtained
mutations by
outlining and
explaining
the steps of protein
synthesis. Key
vocabulary terms
must be used
properly for
students to receive
full credit.
5. Communication Strategy (Flash
Cards): After lesson 2, students will be
asked to take a protein vocabulary flash
card quiz on the quizlet site. This quiz
is used to check if students are forming
the targeted protein concepts as
intended. Click the green quizlet site
word above to go to the flash card quiz.
6. Organization Strategy (Lab Graphic
Organizers): During the lesson 3 lab
activity, students will have a lab report
worksheet to complete. The lab report
involves organizing lab procedures and
results by using a graphic
organizer. Students can work together
to complete it but they need to fill it out
and turn it in individually. The
worksheet includes assignment
directions, timeline for completing the
assignment, how the assignment helps
students achieve content standards, and
how the assignment fits into the digital
unit assessment plan. A sample student
graphic organizer is given to reflect
what is expected of a highly scored
assignment. The scoring rubric is also
given to show students how the content
and format of the graphic organizers
will be graded.
Lesson 1
Student Learning Objective:
1. Students will be able to
understand the
importance of protein by
explaining at least one
protein function (enzyme,
antibody, DNAassociated, contractile,
structural, hormone, or
transport).
Acceptable Evidence:
This lesson will
require students to
communicate,
interact with,
present, and organize
information provided
within the
lecture. Acceptable
evidence of student
understanding can be
2. Students will be able to collected and
list and summarize the
measured in
two steps (transcription
students’ completion
and translation) of the
of the guided notes.
central dogma in writing.
3. Students will be able to
define the steps and
molecular components of
transcription and
translation.
Instructional Strategies:
☐ Communication
☐ Collection
☐ Collaboration
☐ Presentation
☐ Organization
☐ Interaction
Lesson Activities:
Interaction Strategy (Prediction
Circles): Each student will have a picture of
an eukaryotic cell with labeled cellular
components on the guided notes. Students
will be asked to predict which parts of the
cell are involved in making protein by
circling and briefly explaining with one
sentence. This activity can be completed
individually or with a partner. This activity
will help students to tap into
prior knowledge about the parts of the cell
to be able to visualize protein synthesis
within the cell.
Communication Strategy
(Class Discussion): Students will be asked
to participate in a class discussion that
involves defining "protein" and sharing
ideas as to why protein is important within
biology and real world experiences. This
activity will help students to tap into
prior knowledge about protein so they will
be able to understand the relevance of
protein within real world experiences.
Presentation Strategy (Digital Poster):
Protein synthesis terms will be defined
during the lesson and students will be able
to write about the terms using the guided
notes. For extra practice with the new terms,
students will be directed to complete a
group digital poster on the Padlet Site.
Students will be separated into groups of 3
and given 10 minutes to create a digital
poster for one given term using class
computers. Students will need to use visuals
and/or videos with text to define the specific
term. This activity will help students to
practice vocabulary, strengthen technology
skills, and create multimedia examples of
vocabulary words for the class to use as
extra review.
Presentation Strategy (Interactive
Lecture): The teacher will show a prezi
presentation about protein synthesis. The
presentation will progress through a series
of questions which ask students to think
critically about the information provided.
Students will write answers and thoughts to
the questions in their guided notes.
Organization Strategy (Guided
Notes): During the lecture presentation,
students will have guided notes which will
be completed as the lecture progresses. The
guided notes consist of pictures, questions,
and space for notes. As the teacher asks
students to find these features during the
presentation, students will write important
pieces of information in the space
provided.
Communication Strategy
(Poem/Rap): Check for understanding
through a creative summary assignment.
Students will listen to the rap on last slide of
the lecture and then write their own
rap/poem that summarizes and compares
transcription and translation. The creative
summary needs to be at least five full
sentences. It doesn’t have to rhyme but
extra credit points will be given to fun and
creative work! This assignment will help
students practice summary writing.
Lesson 2
Student Learning Objective:
Acceptable Evidence:
1. Students will be able
to list and summarize the
two steps (transcription
and translation) of the
central dogma in writing.
This lesson will
require students to
communicate,
collect, collaborate,
interact with, and
organize
Instructional Strategies:
☐ Communication
☐ Collection
☐ Collaboration
☐ Presentation
☐ Organization
☐ Interaction
Lesson Activities:
Communication, Collection,
Collaboration, Organization, and
Interaction Strategy (Webercise): The
webercise will be completed outside and
inside of class time. Webercise questions
from the topics Importance of Protein,
2. Students will be able
to compare the steps and
molecular components of
transcription and
translation using a
graphic organizer.
3. Students will be able
to categorize the
structures (primary,
secondary, tertiary, and
quaternary) and functions
(enzyme, antibody, DNAassociated, contractile,
structural, hormone, or
transport) of given
proteins when given a
worksheet.
information provided
within the web-based
learning activity
(webercise).
Acceptable evidence
of student
understanding can be
collected and
measured in
students’ completion
of the webercise.
Protein Diet, Basics of a
Protein, and Protein Code will be
completed before class as homework.
Webercise questions from the topics Protein
Synthesis (Translation), Build A Protein,
Build Your Protein Name Quiz, Protein
Structure, Protein Functions, and Mutated
Proteins will be completed during pair
and/or group class work. Lastly, webercise
questions from the topic Test Protein
Knowldege will be completed after class as
homework. This webercise will require
students to access given internet sites and
answer questions about the information
provided on the sites. Students must interact
with specific websites to collect the
important information for the webercise
worksheet. Once the students collect the
information, students must communicate
and organize the important information in
their own words and within a clear easy to
follow format. This activity can be
completed individually or in collaboration
with a partner.
4. Students will be able
to predict the function of
a protein when given
background information
and the structure of the
protein.
Lesson 3
Student Learning Objective:
Acceptable Evidence:
1. Students will be able
to practice a protein lab
This lesson will
require students to
Instructional Strategies:
☐ Communication
☐ Collection
☐ Collaboration
Lesson Activities:
Collaboration Strategy
(Class Discussion): Students will be asked
technique in class.
collaborate, present,
and organize
2. Students will be able to information provided
organize protein lab
within the protein lab
protocol and results into
activity. Acceptable
graphic organizers.
evidence of student
understanding can be
3. Students will be able
collected and
to predict the function of measured in
a protein when given
students’ completion
background information
of the pre-lab
and the structure of the
worksheet and lab
protein.
graphic organizers
with post-lab
4.Students will be able
questions worksheet.
to explain the importance
of protein by creatively
designing a group
research project to
investigate and share the
importance of a
specific protein.
☐ Presentation
☐ Organization
☐ Interaction
to participate in a class discussion that
involves identifying correct and incorrect
lab safety techniques. Pictures of Walt
from Breaking Bad and George W.
Bush within the lab will be displayed within
the short teacher lecture. Students will be
given time to analyze the pictures and
identify good and bad lab technique. This
activity will help students to tap into
prior knowledge about lab safety so they
will be able to understand the importance of
proper lab technique.
Presentation Strategy (Interactive Short
Lecture): The teacher will show a short
prezi presentation about the lab activity. The
presentation will include safety, purpose,
procedure, and results of the lab technique.
The students' participation will be necessary
during the short lecture to ensure successful
completion of the lab activity.
Organization Strategy (Pre-Lab
Worksheet): During the lecture
presentation, students will have a pre-lab
worksheet to be completed as the short
lecture progresses. The pre-lab worksheet
consists of empty boxes to be filled in with
lab safety and ELISA information. Students
can work together to complete it but they
need to fill it out individually.
Collaboration Strategy (Lab Activity):
Students will work in groups of 3-4
to complete the ELISA technique
experiment. Students will use the pre-lab
worksheet and the lab protocol to help
complete the lab activity. Students will use
the graphic organizer lab report to document
and organize lab procedure and results.
Organization Strategy (Lab Graphic
Organizers): During the lab activity,
students will have a lab report worksheet to
complete. The lab report involves
organizing lab procedures and results by
using a graphic organizer. Students can
work together to complete it but they need
to fill it out and turn it in individually. The
worksheet includes assignment directions,
timeline for completing the assignment, how
the assignment helps students achieve
content standards, and how the assignment
fits into digital unit assessment plan. A
sample student graphic organizer is given to
reflect what is expected of a highly scored
assignment. The scoring rubric is also given
to show students how the content and
format of the graphic organizers will be
graded.
Collaboration Strategy (Post Lab
Questions): Check for understanding
through post lab questions. Students can
work individually or in a group to answer
the questions. These questions will be given
as homework if the students don't have time
to finish in class.
Unit Resources:
Books
1. Campbell, Neil A., and Jane B. Reece. "Chapter 3 and 10." Essential Biology. San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings,
2001. Print.
2. Freeman, Scott. "Chapter 13: Transcription and Translation." Biological Science / Scott Freeman. Upper Saddle
River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005. Print.
3. Reece, Jane B., and Neil A. Campbell. "Chapter 17: From Gene to Protein." Campbell Biology / Jane B.
Reece. Boston: Benjamin Cummings, 2011. Print.
Websites
1. "ELISA Immuno Explorer Kit." Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. USA, 2014. Web. Apr. 2014.
2. Manning, M.D., Michael."ELISA Tests: Read About the Blood Test and Antibodies." MedicineNet Inc. Web.
Apr.2014.
3. National Science Teacher Association. "Books & Resources." NSTA: safety in the Science Classroom. Web.
Apr.2014
4. "Protein Synthesis Animation Video." YouTube. YouTube, 04 Aug. 2010. Web.
5. "Protein Synthesis Rap." YouTube. YouTube, 05 May 2013. Web.
6. "Transcription." YouTube. YouTube, 13 Nov. 2006. Web.
Useful Websites:
Protein in Everyday Life:
The Healthy Eating by Demand Media Site provides healthy eating options including the importance of high protein
meals. This site helps students understand how protein is involved in our everyday life.
The Protein and the Teen Athlete Site provides information on the importance of protein for a teen athlete. This site
gives readers an equation to use to calculate how much protein is necessary for a certain body weight and activity
level.
Protein Building Blocks:
The John Kyrk Site provides great visuals that allow students to compare the molecular makeup of amino acids,
DNA, and RNA. This site also allows students to see which molecules are involved during the two steps of the central
dogma, transcription and translation.
Protein Structure:
The Chem4Kids Site provides information and clear visuals of the four structures of protein (primary, secondary,
tertiary, and quaternary structure).
Protein Function:
The Science Learning Site provides a list and explanation of protein functions within the body.
Transcription:
The Pearson Site provides a BioCoach activity that will help students review transcription, the synthesis of RNA from
DNA. This site provides text, visuals, interactives, and quizzes.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Site provides a detailed animation and explanation of transcription.
The Scitable by Nature Education Site provides great reading material that explains transcription. The site gives
analogies, examples, and graphic visuals of transcription.
The McGraw-Hill Site provides an animation of mRNA synthesis (transcription) along with quizzes to test student
understanding of transcription.
Translation:
The Pearson Site provides a BioCoach activity that will help students review translation the synthesis of protein from
RNA. This site provides text, visuals, interactives, and quizzes.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Site provides a detailed animation and explanation of translation.
The Scitable by Nature Education Site provides great reading material that explains translation. The site gives
analogies, examples, and graphic visuals of translation.
The McGraw-Hill Site provides an animation of protein synthesis (translation) along with quizzes to test student
understanding of translation.
Mutated Protein:
The Genetic Home Reference Site provides an explanation of the different kinds of mutations that occur in DNA,
RNA, and protein.
The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Site provides an animation of sickle cell anemia. This condition is a specific
example of how a mutated protein can affect human health.
The Live Science Site provides an explanation of diabetes. This condition is a specific example of how a mutated
protein can affect human health.
The Abcam Discover More Site provides a list of important proteins that need to be regulated within humans. The
site explains that when these proteins are mutated, over produced, or not produced cancer can begin to form.
Protein Virtual Labs:
The Virtual Analytical Laboratory Site provides an explanation and animation of a protein lab that measures protein
concentration. This type of lab is called a Bradford Assay.
The Virtual Amrita Laboratories Universalizing Education Site provides an explanation and animation of a protein lab
that detects protein and separates protein by size. This type of lab is called a SDS PAGE Gel.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute provides an explanation and animation of a protein lab that detects a specific
protein with the use of highly specific binding antibodies. This type of lab is called an ELISA assay.