DNA WebQuest
Introduction:
Your medical consulting corporation (your lab group) has been hired by the Clayton County School Board to
create an educational unit that will explain the structure and function of DNA to the average High School
Student (Be sure the project remains focused on your target audience). Your explanation should include typed
information, a power point presentation and a rap/poem/song. You will have to do some of the work outside
of class in order to complete this project.
The Task:
You will be working in a team of 2 members. Your group must work as a unified team to become DNA
experts. To better understand what working as a team means, please read from the web site, Building
Consensus http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/staffdev/tpss99/processguides/consensus.html
Helpful Hints on Group Work
Four words sum up successful group work:
Co-ordination
being able to co-ordinate meeting times and places
Co-operation
being able to put aside individual concerns and work together for the
good of the group
Organization
being able to use time and resources wisely and efficiently
Communication
being able to really listen when other group members speak and to
choose your words carefully
Choose a creative name for your medical corporation; include this name and the names of all the research
associates (group members) on all parts of this project. Each member of your team must research and explain
DNA basics. The research areas include the history of DNA discovery (the scientists and the timeline), and
DNA structure and function.
Your team will be responsible for 3 different tasks. I strongly advise you NOT to divide your labor strictly
along these lines, as each individual will be responsible for knowing all of the subject matter involved in this
WebQuest. Your tasks are:
1.
2.
Research and write a report about the listed scientists.
Research and build a PowerPoint presentation explaining DNA replication, transcription, and
translation.
3. Compose and perform an original song, poem, or rap about DNA, DNA replication, transcription,
translation, etc.
The Process and Resources:
Some websites have been suggested that may be helpful, but do not limit your research to these alone. Your
team will complete the following *3 steps:
*1. Look up the following scientists and explain in a written report how each scientist had a role in our current
understanding of DNA. Your report should include a timeline that summarizes the history of DNA
science. The following website may be helpful.
http://www.accessexcellence.org/AB/WYW/wkbooks/SFTS/sidebarmilestone.html

Frederick Miescher - http://vector.cshl.org/dnaftb/15/concept/index.html (Select the animation key
and then the bio key)
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Phoebus Levene - http://vector.cshl.org/dnaftb/15/concept/index.html (Select the animation button
and then the bio button
James Watson and Francis Crick http://www.accessexcellence.org/AB/WYW/wkbooks/SFTS/part1.html
Rosalind Franklin - http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/bofran.html
Oswald Avery - http://profiles.nlm.nih.gov/CC/
Alfred Hershey, Frederick Griffith, Martha Chase, Colin McLeod, Maurice Wilkins
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Additional websites to assist in researching the scientists:

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http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio104/dna.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/20465/griffith.html
Help With Report Writing:

http://www.ipl.org/teen/aplus/

http://www.studyweb.com/links/1120.html
*2. PowerPoint Presentation - Your team will explain the process of DNA replication, transcription, and
translation. A bibliography your sources of information should be included, as well as explanations of the
following terms and concepts:
polymer
hydrogen bond
RNA
base pairing
replication
mutagen
protein
4 nitrogenous bases
3 parts of a
of DNA
nucleotide
covalent bond
double helix
messenger RNA
transfer RNA (tRNA)
(mRNA)
codon
translation
gene
mutation
chromosomal
frameshift mutation
mutation
sugar-phosphate
backbone
DNA
ribosomal RNA
(rRNA)
transcription
ribosome
point mutation
Help Using Power Point:

http://www.microsoft.com/education/tutorial/workshop/default.asp -productivity tools help
Help With Citing Sources:

Assembling a List of Works Cited in Your Paper
*3. FreeStyle Friday @ 106 & A-Hall - Compose and perform an original song, poem, or rap about DNA you may use musical instruments and choreographed steps to accompany your performance - make sure
your text include facts you have learned about DNA

Or another DNA activity approved by your teacher.
Websites that might help:

http://www.accessexcellence.org/atg/data/released/0185-EllenMayo/index.html - Lab Activity Candy
DNA

http://www.accessexcellence.org/AB/WYW/wkbooks/SFTS/ - DNA handouts and forms

http://www.accessexcellence.org/AB/WYW/wkbooks/SFTS/activity2.html - DNA Replication activity

http://www.accessexcellence.com/atg/data/released/0531-KathyParis/description.html - modeling DNA
and giving a guided tour thru it
http://www.accessexcellence.com/atg/data/released/0532-KathyParis/description.html - DNA scavenger
hunt
http://www.accessexcellence.com/AE/newatg/Paris.DNAmodel/model.html - DNA checklist
http://www.accessexcellence.com/AE/newatg/Paris.DNAmodel/index.html - tour thru DNA
http://www.woodrow.org/teachers/bi/1994/a_lab.html - a good model of DNA
http://www.woodrow.org/teachers/bi/1994/codon_bingo.html - codon bingo
http://library.thinkquest.org/28599/experiment_making_a_candy_model.htm - DNA model w/candy
http://chem.lapeer.org/Bio2Docs/DNAProject.html - DNA model
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Additional websites:

http://vector.cshl.org/dnaftb/15/concept/index.html DNA from the Beginning - This is a great
website; try numbers 15 – 24. Be sure to click on the various buttons.
What is DNA?
DNA Structure Tutorial

http://www.eurekascience.com/ICanDoThat/dna_genes.htm DNA, Genes and Things

http://www.thetech.org/hyper/genome/ DNA: An Instructional Manual for Life DNA Structure
Evaluation:
Your grade will be determined according to the following scale (everyone in a group gets same grade):
100% PowerPoint presentation
100% Written report
100% Freestyle Friday
Grades will be determined using rubrics (scoring guides). The Rubrics are provided near the bottom of this
document so that you will know what is expected of you in advance. Please read them before you begin.
Due Dates:
Class Activity – Wednesday, Nov. 10th
PowerPoint – Tuesday, Nov. 9th
Report – Thursday, Nov. 11th
Conclusion:
This webquest is meant to help you understand how DNA was discovered, what it is, where it is, its structure
and function, and the process of it's transcription into mRNA and translation into proteins (and - the good news
- to get some relatively painless grades in the process; but - the bad news - don’t think you are getting off too
easy - you will be having a test on DNA and related concepts at the end).
Scroll Down for Project Rubrics so that you will know what is expected before you begin. There is also a
handy dandy checklist of all the tasks to be accomplished.
DNA WebQuest Power Point Project Scoring Guide
Names of team members:______________________________________________________________
Title of Presentation:_________________________________________________________________
Weight
0-5
Criteria
Title page
Separate slides for required characteristics
Content and
Organization
Application of
Power Point
Tools and
Creativity
Score
Headings clear and appropriate
x2
Phrases Informative
In depth coverage of topic
Presentation well planned and makes sense
x3
x3
x3
Graphics clear and useful communication aids
Writing - capitalization, spelling, grammar
Bibliography slide - correct MLA format
Backgrounds or Templates used.
Graphics are creative, interesting, and support the
characteristic being presented.
Transitions and Animation provide emphasis to main
points and are not distracting
x2
_____/100
Names of team members:____________________________________________
Written Report Rubric
2
3
4
Wt. 1
· Limited
· An attempt to · Focused on · Establishes and
Communicates
awareness of establish and
a purpose;
maintains clear
Purpose
audience
maintain
evidence of
focus; evidence
and/or
purpose and
voice and/or
of distinctive
5
purpose
communicate
suitable tone voice and/or
with the
appropriate tone
audience
· Minimal
· Unelaborated · Depth of
· Depth and
Depth of Idea
idea
idea
idea
complexity of
Development
development, development;
development ideas supported
limited
unelaborated
support by
by rich,
6
and/or
and/or
elaborated,
engaging, and or
unrelated
repetitious
relevant
pertinent details;
details
details
details
evidence of
analysis,
reflection and
insight.
·
Few
·
Some
·
Use
of
· Use of
Use of
references,
references,
references
references
References
MLA format MLA format
indicate
indicate
3
not followed mostly correct
ample
substantial
research,
research, correct
correct MLA MLA format
format
· Random or · Lapses in
· Logical
· Careful and/or
Organization
weak
focus and/or
organization suitable
5
organization
coherence
organization
· Incorrect
· Simplistic
· Acceptable, · Precise and/or
Sentence
and/or
and/or
effective
rich language
Structure
ineffective
imprecise
language
and/or variety of
3
wording
language and/or and/or varied sentence structure
and/or
sentence
sentence
and length and/or
sentence
structure and/or structure
well developed
structure
few transitions
and/or most
thoughtful
and/or no
paragraphs
transitions
transitions
have
transitions
· Errors in
· Some errors
· Few errors · Control of
Grammar and
grammar and in grammar
in grammar
surface features
Formatting
format (e.g.,
and/or format
or format
3
spelling,
that do not
relative to
punctuation,
interfere with
length and
capitalization, communication complexity
headings)
Total Points
100
Name of Presenter:________________________________________________________
Type of Project:___________________________________________________________
Freestyle Project Rubric
1
2
3
Weight
Criteria
Does Not Meet
Meets
Exceeds
3X
Inadequate Project, Adequate Project, Exceptional Project,
Completeness
Little Effort
Good Effort
Exceptional Effort
Demonstrated
Demonstrated
Demonstrated
Difficult to
Clear Expression of Exceptional Clarity of
Clarity
3X
Understand
Ideas
Presentation
Related Course
Topic Relevant
Inadequate
3X
Topics Included and Insightful Connection
to
Explanation of
Relationships
to Seemingly
Current Course Relationships to
Adequately
Unrelated Concepts
Content
Course Topics
Explained
Insightful Explanation
Incorrect or
Correct and
Explanation of
of Biological
Inadequate
Adequate
3X
Biological
Concepts, Application
Explanation of
Explanation of
Content
of Broad Biological
Biological Content Biological Content
Concepts
36
Total Points
Possible
Student Checklist of Tasks for the DNA WebQuest
_____Choose a creative name for your medical corporation.
_____Include corporation name and names of all the research associates (group members) on all materials.
_____Read the website about how to be a successful group.
_____Read through the scoring rubrics to see what is expected for each task.
The three main tasks are:
_____Research and write a report about the listed scientists.
_____Research 10 DNA scientists
_____Read the report writing references to get pointers
_____Write the History of DNA Science Report
_____Create a timeline of DNA discovery
_____Research and build a DNA Replication PowerPoint.
_____Research the process of DNA Replication
_____Be sure to keep track of the references you use
_____Cruise the Help Using PowerPoint Reference
_____Create a presentation of DNA Replication
_____Check out the Help for Citing Sources References
_____An activity or lab that will help others to understand DNA
______Research Structure and Function of DNA
_____Cruise the possible activities sites
_____Carry out the steps necessary to get your activity read for the class
_____Practice your class activity presentation
_____Review the scoring rubrics to double-check that you have met the requirements and make any changes necessary. IF YOU ARE
UNSURE ABOUT WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU, ASK.