DNA Model Project
Objective: To create a structurally accurate model of a DNA molecule.
Instructions:
You must create a 3D model of DNA. It may either stand on its own, or hang from the
ceiling. You may construct the model out of any materials that you choose. The model
must accurately show:
1.
2.
3.
4.
A 3D double helix structure of DNA (10 base pairs)
Correct base pairing (A-T, C-G)
The sugar-phosphate backbone
Correct hydrogen bonding between nitrogen base pairs
DNA Model Project
Objective: To create a structurally accurate model of a DNA molecule.
Instructions:
You must create a 3D model of DNA. It may either stand on its own, or hang from the
ceiling. You may construct the model out of any materials that you choose. The model
must accurately show:
1. A 3D double helix structure of DNA (10 base pairs)
2. Correct base pairing (A-T, C-G)
3. The sugar-phosphate backbone
4. Correct hydrogen bonding between nitrogen base pairs
DNA model Rubric
TURN IN THIS SHEET WITH MODEL
Name __________________________________ Date ______________________Period _______
Nitrogen bases are coded and
correctly paired. Appropriate
number of hydrogen bonds
shown 5 pts.
Deoxyribose and phosphates are
correctly represented, with
alternating colors or shapes and
nitrogen bases only coming from
sugars. 5pts.
Nitrogen bases are coded but
incorrectly paired or inaccurate
hydrogen bonding 3 pts.
Nitrogen bases are not coded or
paired and no hydrogen bonds are
shown 1pt.
Deoxyribose and phosphates are
represented with alternating
colors or shapes, but nitrogen
bases are attached at random.
3pts.
Railings (sides) are part of model,
but not shown in alternating
colors or shapes. 1pt.
Model Likeness to DNA
Model is a 3D twisted ladder.
5 pts.
Model is 3D, but flat – not a
twisted ladder. 3 pts.
Model is not 3D 1 pt.
DNA Structure Key
Present and accurately identifies
sugar, phosphate and each
nitrogen base present. 5pts.
Present, but not complete.
Missing items identifying
components of DNA helix 1 pt.
Completeness
At least 10 nitrogen base pairs
included in the model to show
understanding and concept. 5pts.
Present and complete, but fails to
accurately identify sugar,
phosphate and each nitrogen base
present 3 pts
Less than 10 base pairs (6 -9)
included in the helix model. 3pts.
Neatness/Effort
Neat, Organized, Color coded
and demonstrates satisfactory
effort . 5 pts.
Neat and organized but lacks
color coding and/or insufficient
effort 3 pts.
Disorderly, lacks color coding
and appears rushed without
satisfactory effort put forth 1 pt.
Nitrogen bases (rungs)
Sugars and Phosphates
(railings)
Minimal number of base pairs
(less than 5) included in the
model. 1 pt.
.
Total Points Earned _____________/30
Teachers Comments:
DNA model Rubric
TURN IN THIS SHEET WITH MODEL
Name __________________________________ Date ______________________Period _______
Nitrogen bases are coded and
correctly paired. Appropriate
number of hydrogen bonds
shown 5 pts.
Deoxyribose and phosphates are
correctly represented, with
alternating colors or shapes and
nitrogen bases only coming from
sugars. 5pts.
Nitrogen bases are coded but
incorrectly paired or inaccurate
hydrogen bonding 3 pts.
Nitrogen bases are not coded or
paired and no hydrogen bonds are
shown 1pt.
Deoxyribose and phosphates are
represented with alternating
colors or shapes, but nitrogen
bases are attached at random.
3pts.
Railings (sides) are part of model,
but not shown in alternating
colors or shapes. 1pt.
Model Likeness to DNA
Model is a 3D twisted ladder.
5 pts.
Model is 3D, but flat – not a
twisted ladder. 3 pts.
Model is not 3D 1 pt.
DNA Structure Key
Present and accurately identifies
sugar, phosphate and each
nitrogen base present. 5pts.
Present, but not complete.
Missing items identifying
components of DNA helix 1 pt.
Completeness
At least 10 nitrogen base pairs
included in the model to show
understanding and concept. 5pts.
Present and complete, but fails to
accurately identify sugar,
phosphate and each nitrogen base
present 3 pts
Less than 10 base pairs (6 -9)
included in the helix model. 3pts.
Neatness/Effort
Neat, Organized, Color coded
and demonstrates satisfactory
effort . 5 pts.
Neat and organized but lacks
color coding and/or insufficient
effort 3 pts.
Disorderly, lacks color coding
and appears rushed without
satisfactory effort put forth 1 pt.
Nitrogen bases (rungs)
Sugars and Phosphates
(railings)
.
Total Points Earned _____________/30
Teachers Comments:
Minimal number of base pairs
(less than 5) included in the
model. 1 pt.