Name: ____________________________________
Class Block: ________
DNA Model Project
Your assignment is to research and build a Double Helix DNA Model. Your DNA Model will
be due on Tues Oct 23 (4A) or Wed Oct 24 (1B). It will count as a project. The maximum
grade you can obtain is 105! You will have plenty of time to work on it, so do a great job and
do not put it off until the last minute! You will need to represent sugars, phosphate
groups, hydrogen bonds, and the four nitrogenous bases. That means you need seven
different colors or shapes, and a way to hold them together and support them. Also, the
model must show the helical shape of DNA. Finally, a key must accompany your model.
The key must include your name and explain which parts of your model represent each of
the different structural parts of DNA (all 7 should be listed).
I do not expect this to be an expensive project, so use what you have. You can make great
models using pasta (uncooked), toothpicks, pipe cleaners, beads, etc. Be creative with this
model! Do not use anything that will spoil or create a mess. Do not make it too big.
Remember, you have to get it to school in one piece. It should have a minimum of twelve
base pairs represented. If you have an idea that doesn’t fit this description, please check
with me first to make sure it will work and you will get maximum points. The best in class
(voted by teachers) will receive 5 bonus points! Have fun!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------GRADING RUBRIC – THIS MUST BE TURNED IN WITH YOUR PROJECT!!
Nitrogen bases
(rungs)
Sugars and
Phosphates
(railings)
Model Likeness to
DNA
Labeling/Key
Completeness
Neatness/Effort
Nitrogen bases are correctly
represented with opposite base
pair colors consistent.
30 29 28 27 26
Sugars (deoxyribose) and
phosphates are correctly
represented, with alternating
colors and nitrogen bases only
coming from sugars.
10 9 8 7
Model is a 3D twisted ladder,
with nitrogen base pairs (steps)
all of the same size.
20 19 18 17 16
Present, thorough and neatly
done. Integral part of project.
15 14 13 12 11
Adequate number (at least 12)
of nitrogen base pairs to show
understanding and concept.
20 19 18 17 16
Extremely neat.
5
Grade: __________________
Nitrogen bases are shown in
pairs, but colors are not
consistent
25 24 23 22 21
Sugars (deoxyribose) and
phosphates are represented with
alternating colors, but nitrogen
bases are attached at random.
Nitrogen bases are not shown
with separate colors
6 5 4 3
Model is 3D, but flat – not a
twisted ladder. Nitrogen base
pairs have different lengths and
railings touch as they cross
over.
15 14 13 12 11
Present and complete, but
appears hastily done as an
afterthought
10 9 8 7 6
Less than 12 (8-11) base pairs.
2 1
Model is not 3D
15 14 13 12 11
Neat.
3
20 19 18 17 16 15
Railings are part of model, but
not shown in alternating colors.
10 9 8 7 6 5
Present, but not complete.
5 4 3 2 1 0(not present)
Minimal number (less than 8) of
base pairs. Needs more.
10 9 8 7 6 5
Not too neat.
1