DNA Text Set
Eighth Grade
Guiding Questions
1.) When is a mutation harmful? Can a mutation be beneficial?
2.) What is the purpose of DNA? Is this molecule the only way to store genetic
information?
3.) How can we use the knowledge of genes? What benefit is there in knowing an
entire individual’s genome (entire sequence of DNA)?
Andrew Gervasini
EDC 448
Professor Diane Kern
Text Set
1)
Interactive Science: Cells and Heredity
“Chapter 4: DNA: The Code of Life”
Complex Text (online textbook)
Quantitative Analysis:
Target Grade: 8th
Flesch-Kincaid Grade level: 11th
Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease score: 39
Qualitative Analysis: The Flesch-Kincaid scores for Interactive Science place the text as
suitable for mid to late high school. This text is rated so high because of long syllabic
vocabulary that students are learning through reading of the text. Literature and history
have their own distinct vocabulary, but do not have texts saturated with jargon. To have
a strong academic knowledge of scientific topics necessary for high school, texts like
Interactive Science must be utilized in middle school. The concepts might not be as
complicated as their long names may suggest. It is up to the teacher to make vocabulary
such as DNA, nitrogen bases, and genes accessible through alternative texts and allow for
easy recall through hands-on activities.
Buckley, Don. "Chapter 4: DNA: The Code of Life." Interactive Science. Boston, MA:
Pearson, 2011. 104-29. Pearson SuccessNet. Pearson, 2011. Web. Jan. 2013.
2)
Discover Magazine
“The Year in Science 2012”
“#5 Old Dads Yield New Mutations”
Accessible Text (Offline)
As the average age of fathers increase in
the United States, a new study has found that
elderly fathers pass along more DNA errors
than younger fathers. This could be a source
of genetic diversity, but could also increase incidences of autism and other disorders.
Qualitative Analysis: This bite-sized article offers insight to the importance of mutations
in genetic diversity, but reminds them that mutations can also be harmful. The language
could be slightly above typical middle school text, but it could allow some students to
make personal connections to the subject because of autism. In addition, new terms and
previously unknown diseases mentioned in the piece could inspire personal research.
Neimark, Jill. "Old Dads Yield New Mutations." Discover Magazine Jan.-Feb. 2013: 24.
Print.
3)
Discover Magazine
“The Year in Science”
#13 Study Decodes DNA’s True Meaning
Accessible Text (Offline)
Another small article from Discover’s
“Top 100 Stories of 2012” described how
researchers narrowed the gap between reading
our genome and understanding the activity of
all 3 billion nitrogen bases.
Qualitative Analysis: In the Interactive Science chapter, students learn about how genes
encode for proteins and how those proteins are created from amino acids in processes
called DNA transcription and mRNA translation. However, this article informs them that
only 1.5% of our DNA is responsible for proteins. The other 98.5% have unknown
functions. The piece describes how the other nitrogen bases not responsible for proteins
control DNA organization, storage, and regulation. It shows to students that adults and
expert scientists are still curious about the processes of life and would hopefully inspire
them to appreciate careers in science. The clarity and language may be above middle
school, but provides main ideas integral to ideas presented in the complex text.
Young, Ed. "Study Decodes DNA’s True Meaning." Discover Magazine Jan.-Feb. 2013:
34. Print.
4)
Discover Magazine
“The Year in Science”
#32 Genomes Aid Cancer Treatment
Accessible Text (Offline)
Scientists are using mutations to identify cancer,
instead of the traditional method of examining
tissue of origin. This new method could allow
researchers and doctors to find drugs more
precisely targeted to particular disease type.
Qualitative Analysis: The story ties into the lesson on mutations and cancer in Chapter 4
of Interactive Science and shows real world applications of what they read. The concept
underlying the idea might prove challenging to 13-14 year olds, but the overall idea and
supplemental explanation would further their understanding of the interrelatedness
between genes, mutations, and cancer.
Neimark, Jill. "Old Dads Yield New Mutations." Discover Magazine Jan.-Feb. 2013: 45.
Print.
5)
Discover Magazine
“The Year in Science”
#38 DNA Mimic Brewed in Lab
Accessible Text (Offline)
Researchers in Europe and the United
States created six types of artificial DNA, or
synthetic genetic material that can encode
information like DNA itself. They named it XNA
(X being a variable in construction). It implies that DNA and RNA might not have been
the first molecules of life on Earth, and that their application in medicine could be used to
control genetic disease by regulating an individual’s genes.
Qualitative Analysis: The article does not have conventional language or clarity expected
in middle school. The length, however, is very brief and suitable for the attention spans
of middle school students. Therefore, this part of the text set should be used for the main
ideas of researchers being able to synthesize genetic material to act like DNA and that
these “XNAs” can be used for therapeutic purposes.
McGowan, Kat. "DNA Mimic Brewed in Lab." Discover Magazine Jan.-Feb. 2013: 49.
Print.
6)
Discover Magazine
“The Year in Science 2012”
#80 Rare Genes Cause Common Diseases
Accessible Text (Offline)
The final genetics story of Discover’s
“Year in Science” issue discussed how population
growth has flooded the human genome with new
mutations, creating both diversity and complex
illnesses. In addition, researchers are discovering that many different separate mutations
can cause the same disease.
Qualitative Analysis: The language might be above middle school, however, the subject
matter is relates the real-life importance of studying genetics and mutation. The article
builds curiosity as to why rare mutations are causing new diseases or providing
information on new causes of existing diseases. The purpose of this piece in the text set
is to give purpose to the students in that what is studied in school has major implications
on the future of science in the outside world and that causes of disease may not be black
and white.
Zimmer, Carl. "Rare Genes Cause Common Diseases." Discover Magazine Jan.-Feb.
2013: 72. Print.
7)
Tri-Lakes Edition
“DNA Exploration Reveals
Biological Connections”
Wayne Bryan
Accessible Text (Online)
Cheap whole-genome sequencing
technology allows people to have their
entire genome sequenced in a matter of weeks.
Companies like 23andMe are utilizing such
technology to allow typical people to have their genomes analyzed by mail. The results
trace back your genealogy and uncover unknown relations in your vicinity.
Qualitative Analysis: Language is clear and conventional to middle school students, but
the article more importantly demonstrates the personal side of genomics and the unique 3
billion-nucleotide sequence we each possess. Desiring to know what their own sequence
holds would increase student interest in the subject of DNA, genes, and genomics. While
genomics is not directly examined in Interactive Science, it is related to DNA structure
and nitrogen bases covered in Lesson 1 of Chapter 4.
Bryan, Wayne. "DNA Exploration Reveals Biological Connections." Tri-Lakes Edition.
Arkansas Online, 3 Feb. 2013. Web. 7 Feb. 2013.
<http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2013/feb/03/dna-exploration-revealsbiological-connections/?f=trilakes>.
8)
“Genetic Disorders WebQuest”
Marc De Block
Accessible Text (Online)
This webquest puts several students
in the roles of geneticist, physician, and
genetic counselor as they investigate a patient
with a possible genetic disorder. Students who
choose to utilize this text will learn more about inheritance of mutation and how those
with genetic disorders receive help and treatment.
Qualitative Analysis: The clarity and language style is suitable for middle school grades,
which is the target audience for Interactive Science. The series of webpages offers a
minor emulation of the responsibilities of a health care professional and how to treat
patients with genetic disorders. If a student were interested in a health care career, or
open to scientific investigation, this text would be meaningful in increasing their aptitude
and interest of the subject. The purpose of De Block’s webquest is to apply conceptual
ideas, like genes and mutations, to a situation that occurs in the real world daily. This
makes the schoolwork more meaningful to any student, but especially those that may
know of other individuals affected by genetic disorders. Additionally, the webquest
attracts itself to the sense of altruism that is prevalent in many young adolescents.
De Block, Marc. "Genetic Disorders WebQuest." Marc De Block, 13 May 2006. Web.
07 Feb. 2013.
<http://mset.rst2.edu/portfolios/d/deblock_m/toolsdev/checkpoints/finalproject/in
dex.htm>.
9)
DNA Learning Center
“DNA Molecule: DNA Unzip”
Accessible Text (Online)
This video from the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s DNA Learning Center
demonstrates DNA structure, including the double helix nature and ability to unzip.
Qualitative Analysis: The video is a strong visual, with accurate molecular models, to
middle school students. Instead of a typical cartoonish diagram prevalent in Interactive
Science, this short video (1 minute and 17 seconds) gives students a short insight to how
DNA truly looks and how the nitrogen bases lock together to form the double helix. The
demonstration of DNA unzipping is a visual connection to how DNA replicates as well.
Simple diagrams are provided for students to learn concepts, and this video can be used
to increase interest by showing a real-example of DNA in action.
DNA Molecule: DNA Unzip. DNA Learning Center. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, n.d.
Web. 10 Feb. 2013. <http://www.dnalc.org/resources/3d/23-dna-unzip.html>.
10)
“DNA Song”
ParrMr (YouTube)
Accessible Text (Online)
Mr. Parr, a 6th grade teacher, wrote a song about DNA to the tune of Bruno
Mars’s “Grenade.” The song is 3 minutes and 40 seconds in length and furthers the idea
of DNA being the code of life by explaining protein synthesis.
Qualitative Analysis: This song presents concepts from Lessons 1 and 2 of Chapter 4 in
Interactive Science by incorporating a popular song that the majority of middle school
students know. Remembering the tune will facilitate recall of the material on DNA and
connect a leisure activity with science, hopefully demonstrating that science can be fun.
Lyrics were provided in the video to allow viewers to follow along and learn the song. In
addition, the clarity of the language is appropriate for students aged 13-14 since the song
was designed for students aged 11-12.
DNA Song. By ParrMr. Perf. Mr. Parr. YouTube. N.p., 10 May 2011. Web. 07 Feb. 2013.
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckZEds5taX4>.
11)
Discovery News
“Text Book Encoded in DNA”
Nic Halverson
Accessible Text (Online)
Harvard researchers took a digital
copy of a textbook and converted its contents
into binary, the language of computers that
is only comprised of 1s and 0s. The team then associated the 0s with Adenine (A) or
Cytosine (C) and the 1s with Guanine (G) and Thymine (T). The next step was to create
actual strands of DNA with those specific pairings of nitrogen bases. The application of
this technique could be the storage of one billion texts in only one test tube, which could
last for centuries.
Qualitative Analysis: Halverson’s article provides students meaning with a real-life
application of DNA and biology in cutting-edge technology. The piece utilizes rich
conventional language and provides enough clarity for 8th grade students to grasp the
process developed by the Harvard research team. The academic knowledge required for
this article is of basic DNA structure and nitrogen base pairing rules, all of which is
covered in Lesson 1 of Chapter 4 in Interactive Science. Students should be able to think
of other applications of DNA storage and applications in real-life, like DNA computers or
Internet infrastructure for example.
Halverson, Nic. "Text Book Encoded in DNA." DNews. Discovery News, 17 Aug. 2012.
Web. 08 Feb. 2013. <http://news.discovery.com/tech/biotechnology/entire-bookencoded-dna-120817.htm>.
12)
“Mutations Song”
ParrMr (YouTube)
Accessible Text (Online)
Mr. Parr, a 6th grade teacher, wrote a song about genetic mutations to the tune of
Flo Rida’s “Whistle.” The song is 3 minutes and 44 seconds in length and goes on to
mention Darwin and tie the ideas of mutation in the Theory of Evolution.
Qualitative Analysis: This song presents concepts from Lesson 3 of Chapter 4 in
Interactive Science by incorporating a popular song that the majority of middle school
students know. Remembering the tune will facilitate recall of the material on mutation
and connect a leisure activity with science, hopefully demonstrating that science can be
fun. Lyrics were provided in the video to allow viewers to follow along and learn the
song. In addition, the clarity of the language is appropriate for 13 and 14 year olds since
the song was designed with 11 and 12 year olds in mind.
Mutations Song. By ParrMr. Perf. Mr. Parr. YouTube. N.p., 6 August 2012. Web. 07 Feb.
2013.<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpmKwMMDxPc&list=UUJjstNDkwk
tHyvUdtcBfb2g>.
13)
The Huffington Post
“"Gene-Mapping For Newborns?
2-Day Test Can Spot Diseases In Babies."
Lauran Neergaard
Accessible Text (Online)
New whole-genome sequencing
technology pioneered by Illumina, Inc.
can sequence an entire human genome in
50 hours, as opposed to several weeks previously. With every single nitrogen base
accounted for, a newborn baby’s genome can be analyzed for potential lethal mutations
based on symptoms and knowledge of genes. Treatment can be proactive for newborns
in natal intensive care units instead of the typical passive observation of symptoms and
attempt of different solutions to assumed disorders.
Qualitative Analysis: Meaning is established in the real-life connection between genes
and mutations and the tragedy of a newborn baby’s death. The article first points out the
usefulness of whole-genome sequencing and gene mapping, and then relates it to use in
natal intensive care units. The material of Chapter 4 in Interactive Science is connected
to the development of whole-genome sequencing and its application in the treatment of
newborns. The text requires a decent understanding of genes and mutations, and is more
suitable for an older audience, but offers why the studying of genes and mutations are
important and applicable to the real world.
Neergaard, Lauran. "Gene-Mapping For Newborns? 2-Day Test Can Spot Diseases In
Babies." Huffpost Healthy Living. The Huffington Post, 03 Oct. 2012. Web. Jan.
2013. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/03/gene-mapping-newbornsdiseases-babies_n_1937417.html>.