Bees Beetles DNA
There are two versions of this activity: grade 9 and grade 12.
Please pick the one that works best for your class.
Curriculum Connection > Science 9
- Explain the process of cell division
What is this activity about?
In this activity, students will analyze DNA to uncover different types of mutations. The goal of the activity is to help students discover the potential downstream effects of different types of mutations.
How to use the activity in the classroom
Grade 9
This activity would work best after students have learned about the gene to protein process. It would also help if students have discussed mutations and how they can be positive, negative, or neutral.
Before the activity, students should review the four DNA bases and understand DNA base pairing. They need this prior knowledge to help them analyze DNA for mutations.
Grade 12
This activity would work best after students have learned about DNA replication and protein synthesis. It would also be best to review the different types of mutations and their potential outcomes.
Students will need to know what introns and exons are. It is best to review these terms prior to the activity.
Tips and Tricks
To help provide the students with a context for the activity, it is recommended that you discuss the importance of the role of insects (ex. bees or beetles) in the ecosystem prior to implementing the activity in the classroom.
