The task has two parts. Part 1 is answering questions about DNA replication to ensure that students can construct their own understanding of DNA replication, and the second part is to create a product modeling DNA replication. This task can be used as an introduction to DNA and protein synthesis or before the subject is taught so that the students can develop their own understanding and questions about the role and process of DNA replication. This lesson was developed by NCDPI as part of the Academically and/or Intellectually Gifted Instructional Resources Project. This lesson plan has been vetted at the state level for standards alignment, AIG focus, and content accuracy.

This short video lesson describes the human genome by comparing DNA to a detailed manual for building a person out of cells -- with 46 chapters (chromosomes) and hundreds of thousands of pages covering every part of you. Assessment questions and links to additional resources are included.

In this high school unit on genetics and heredity, students ask questions about a group of boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Students investigate the role of proteins, DNA, and inheritance in the disorder. Students figure out how heritable traits and disorders are related to the structure and function of proteins. Students then ask questions about how we can use genetic engineering technologies to cure genetic disorders and explore the ethical implications of need technologies such as, CRISPR-Cas9.