DNA to Evolution

Thursday 6/6/2024

Focus: Frog Pre-Dissection

Bell Question:

• 1. Get your frog and dissection tray

Today's In-class Tasks:

• 1. We will work through a guided Frog Dissection.

Assignments

1. Complete the Nova Evolution assignment, if not yet done, and any missing assignment(s).

2. If not done already, take notes on Module 11, below are the sections we are addressed:

a.     Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation

b.     Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes

c.     Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation

d.     Module 14, Lesson 1 – All of it

e.     Module 14, Lesson 2 – All of it

3. Prep for your last unit test (to be given during our dedicated Finals Block)

Supportive Media

1. Frog Dissection: Pre-dissection Activity packet

Tuesday 6/4/2024

Focus: Evidence for Evolution Review / Frog Pre-Dissection

We will be addressing the following NGSS standards:

• 1.  Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence.

  2. The NGSS standard above is addressed in the following sections of the book

a.   Module 14, Lesson 2 - Support for Evolution

Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple

lines of empirical evidence.

Bell Question:

• 1. Review the answers to the Molecular Connection, we will discuss any questions students have about the assignment.

  2. You then need to read the following article on Vestigial Organs

  3. Finally, image 1, below, is of a blind salamander. As the name indicates it does not have the ability to see.

     • • Why does it have eyes if it can not see? Think about why this is.

Today's In-class Tasks:

• 1. We will discuss the answers to the Molecular Connection

  2. Examine this phylogenic tree of Early Tetrapod Evolution (a tetrapod is a 4 limbed organism). Helpful Info:

     • • Sarcopterygians are lobe-finned fish, opposed to ray-finned fish (See Image 2)

       • Amphibians are believed to evolved from lobe-finned fish (See Image 3)

  3. What environmental pressures forced fish out of the water?

  4. Prior to moving onto land, what physical changes needed to occur to fish species about to make it onto land?

  5. Once on land, what additional physical changes needed to occur with tetrapods?

  6. Amniota is a classification of organisms that use protective membranes around embryos (eggs and egg-like structures) and the embryos do not go through larval stages.

     • • What type of pressures enabled this trait to be beneficial?

       • Identify organisms that are amniotes?

  7. As a class we will work through the Frog Dissection: Pre-dissection Activity packet

     • • We will do this as an activity and not as a written assignment; I will not pass out hard copies

Assignments

1. Complete the:

   1. • Frog Dissection Gizmo, given in Google Classroom

      • NOVA Evolution Lab Game, Due on Friday.

2. If not done already, take notes on Module 11, below are the sections we are addressed:

a.     Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation

b.     Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes

c.     Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation

d.     Module 14, Lesson 1 – All of it

e.     Module 14, Lesson 2 – All of it

3. I will not collect this assignment but I can guarantee test questions on this:

   1. • Explain how 1) independent assortment, 2) mutation 3) sexual reproduction and 4) natural selection can explain the appearance of animals with four legs and vast variety of animals with four legs.

4. Begin prepping for your last unit test (to be given during our dedicated Finals Block)

Supportive Media

1. Vestigial Organs

2. The Molecular Connection

3. NOVA Evolution Lab Game

Friday 5/31/2024

Focus: Evidence for Evolution

We will be addressing the following NGSS standards:

• 1.  Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence.

  2. The NGSS standard above is addressed in the following sections of the book

a.   Module 14, Lesson 2 - Support for Evolution

• 3. Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence.

Bell Question:

• 1. Examine Image 1, the Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain

     • • After coping with the painful flashbacks, discuss with your partners the job of Cytochrome C (Cyt c)

  2. Examine Image 2, Evolution of Horses

     • • What is the advantage of developing a hoof?

Today's In-class Tasks:

• 1. We will discuss the types of evidence scientists examine when trying to determine evolutionary pathways.

     • • Students will then work on The Molecular Connection, an activity that uses amino acid sequences of a common protein to determine evolutionary relationships of various organisms

  2. Anytime remaining in the block will  begin working through the NOVA Evolution Lab Game

     • • • Login using your school Google Account so that you can save your work.

         • Launch the game and work through all the videos and the missions. 

           • • The missions will take you awhile but you will earn 2 points and one possible extra credit point for each mission.

               • • 2 points for a score between 3 - 6 checks out of 6 checks. For a perfect score of 6, you will earn 1 extra point towards the final test.

                 • There are 6 mission so you can earn up to 6 extra credit points on our last test

                 • Once you have completed the six missions, take a screenshot of your score sheet.

                 • An example screenshot is listed below.

                 • Add your screen shot to the Evolution Game assignment, given to you in Google Classroom

Assignments

1. If not finished during class, finish The Molecular Connection, 

2. Work on the NOVA Evolution Lab Game, directions given above. Due on Friday.

3. Continue taking notes on Module 14, below are the sections we are addressing:

a.     Module 14, Lesson 1 – All of it

b.     Module 14, Lesson 2 – All of it

4. If not done already, take notes on Module 11, below are the sections we are addressed:

a.     Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation

b.     Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes

c.     Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation

Supportive Media

1. Vestigial Organs

2. The Molecular Connection

3. NOVA Evolution Lab Game

Tuesday 5/28/2024

Focus: Evolution & Evidence for Evolution

We will be addressing the following NGSS standards:

• 1.  Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations.

  2. The NGSS standard above i addressed in the following sections of the book

a.     Module 14, Lesson 1 – All of it

b.     Module 14, Lesson 2 – Adaptation, Types of Adaptation and Consequences of Adaptation ( We will address the first part of Lesson 2 with our next class)

Bell Question:

• 1. What is the difference between Natural Selection & Evolution?

     • • Provide an example for each.

  2. What is Gene Flow and Genetic Drift?

     • • Which one can best describe what happened to the Galapagos Finches?

  3. What was the solution to the STEM Case: Gene Flow, Genetic Drift or Natural Selection?

  4. How did the bacteria become immune to antibiotics?

Today's In-class Tasks:

• 1. After we discuss the answers to the bell questions, we will discuss 4 factors that drive evolution

  2. We will then discuss evidence for evolution and watch the Stated Clearly video, What is the Evidence for Evolution? (included below)

  3. Anytime remaining in the block will  begin working through the NOVA Evolution Lab Game

     • • • Login using your school Google Account so that you can save your work.

         • Launch the game and work through all the videos and the missions. 

           • • The missions will take you awhile but you will earn 2 points and one possible extra credit point for each mission.

               • • 2 points for a score between 3 - 6 checks out of 6 checks. For a perfect score of 6, you will earn 1 extra point towards the final test.

                 • There are 6 mission so you can earn up to 6 extra credit points on our last test

                 • Once you have completed the six missions, take a screenshot of your score sheet.

                 • An example screenshot is listed below.

                 • Add your screen shot to the Evolution Game assignment, given to you in Google Classroom

Assignments

1. Work on the NOVA Evolution Lab Game, directions given above.

2. Continue taking notes on Module 14, below are the sections we are addressing:

a.     Module 14, Lesson 1 – All of it

b.     Module 14, Lesson 2 – All of it

3. If not done already, take notes on Module 11, below are the sections we are addressed:

a.     Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation

b.     Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes

c.     Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation

Supportive Media

1. Login to Gizmos

2. Species Diversification

Friday 5/24/2024

Focus: Adaptations, Natural Selection and Speciation

We will be addressing the following NGSS standards:

• 1.  Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations.

  2. The NGSS standard above i addressed in the following sections of the book

a.     Module 14, Lesson 1 – All of it

b.     Module 14, Lesson 2 – Adaptation, Types of Adaptation and Consequences of Adaptation ( We will address the first part of Lesson 2 with our next class)

Bell Question:

• 1. Take out your Mutations Worksheet, we never went over the answers last block

Today's In-class Tasks:

• 1. We will discuss Natural Selection and pocket mice (video below)

  2. We will then discuss how speciation occurs and watch the Amoeba Sisters video below

  3. The remaining time will be given to complete the Rainfall and Beak Size assignment or the Evolution STEM case in Gizmos, both are due on Wednesday

Assignments

1. Complete the Rainfall and Beak Size assignment AND the Evolution STEM case in Gizmos

2. Continue taking notes on Module 14, below are the sections we are addressing:

a.     Module 14, Lesson 1 – All of it

b.     Module 14, Lesson 2 – Adaptation, Types of Adaptation and Consequences of Adaptation ( We will address the first part of Lesson 2 with our next class)

3. If not done already, take notes on Module 11, below are the sections we are addressed:

a.     Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation

b.     Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes

c.     Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation

Supportive Media

Wednesday 5/22/2024

Focus: Mutations / Adaptation / Natural Selection

We will be addressing the following NGSS standard:

• 1. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations.

  2. The NGSS standard above is addressed in the following sections of the book

a.     Module 14, Lesson 1 – All of it

b.     Module 14, Lesson 2 – Adaptation, Types of Adaptation and Consequences of Adaptation ( We will address the first part of Lesson 2 with our next class)

Bell Question:

• 1. Take out your Mutations Worksheet

  2. The Peppered Moth is a famous moth, biologically speaking. It is pictured below:

     • • The Peppered Moth's  color is controlled by the cortex gene, which has two phenotypes white and black

  3. Login to Gizmos and open the Natural Selection Gizmo and wait for instructions

  4. This Gizmo and the Rainfall and Mutation and Natural Selection Gizmo models Natural Selection.

     • • What is Natural Selection and how was it modeled?

       • How can a population (a species within a specific geographic area) obtain new traits?

Today's In-class Tasks:

• 1. We will go over the answers to the  Mutations Worksheet and then go over the Natural Selection Gizmo

  2. Students will then open the Rainfall and Beak Size assignment, given in Google Classroom

     • • Students  will first watch a video on Galapagos Finches and answer questions as you watch the video. Please wear ear buds/headphones while in class and watching the video. The video is found below and in Google Classroom.

       • Students will then complete the Rainfall and Beak Size assignment.

       • Lastly, students will read an article on Galapagos Ground Finches, Beak Size and Genes and respond to the questions on the worksheet.

Assignments

1. Work on the Rainfall and Beak Size assignment, given in Google Classroom

2. If not done already, complete taking notes on Module 11:

a.     Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation

b.     Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes

c.     Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation

3. Begin reading and taking notes on Module 14, Lesson 1 (all of it)

Supportive Media

1. Gizmos Login

2. article on Galapagos Ground Finches, Beak Size and Genes

Monday 5/20/2024

Focus: Protein Synthesis / Mutations

We will be addressing the following NGSS standards:

• 1.  Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.

  2.  Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.

  3. Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.

  4. The three NGSS standards above are addressed in the following sections of the book

a.     Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation

b.     Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes

c.     Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation

Bell Question:

1. Read the Genetics.Utah article What is Mutation?

Today's In-class Tasks:

• 1. We will discuss mutations briefly and then students will complete the  Mutations Worksheet

  2. We will then discuss how mutations lead to changes in proteins which leads to changes in phenotypes. Students will explore the ramifications of such changes with the Natural Selection Gizmo.

     • •  Login to Gizmos and open the Mutations and Selection Gizmo

         • • We will work through this Gizmo as a class activity - no written work required

  3. With any time remaining, students will begin the Rainfall and Beak Size assignment, given in Google Classroom

     • • DISREGARD THE VIDEO PORTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

Assignments

1. If not finished in class, complete the  Mutations Worksheet

2. Complete taking notes on Module 11; next class we will move beyond Module 11. Below are the Module 11 sections we are addressing:

a.     Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation

b.     Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes

c.     Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation

Supportive Media

Monday 5/16/2024

Focus: DNA Structure and Replication Review/ Protein Synthesis

We will be addressing the following NGSS standards:

• 1.  Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.

  2.  Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.

  3. Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.

  4. The three NGSS standards above are addressed in the following sections of the book

a.     Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation

b.     Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes

c.     Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation

Bell Question:

• 1. Using the K'Nex color code below and the following DNA Template Code, TAC ACG TGG ATC, re-build your DNA model.Use the same color sugar piece for both strands.

     • • white - adenine (6)

       • black - thyamine (6)

       • gray - guanine (6)

       • green - cytosine (6)

Today's In-class Tasks:

• 1. With the use of K'nex kits, students will work through the following handouts: In Thinking - DNA Structure,  In Thinking - DNA Replication: Structured Notes, InThinking - The Structure of DNA and RNA,  RNA Replication: Structured Notes, Transcription, Comparing DNA Replication and Transcription, Decoding mRNA and Translation and DNA to Protein Worksheet.

     • • Today's focus will be on Transcription & Translation

Assignments

1. Complete the DNA to Protein Worksheet in your packet.

2. Begin taking notes on Module 11, below are the sections we are addressing:

a.     Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation

b.     Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes

c.     Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation

Supportive Media

Tuesday 5/14/2024

Focus: DNA Structure

We will be addressing the following NGSS standards in our new unit:

• 1.  Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.

  2.  Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.

  3. Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.

  4. The three NGSS standards above are addressed in the following sections of the book

a.     Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation

b.     Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes

c.     Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation

Bell Question:

• 1. We will first change seats

  2. Once we change seats, and with your new partners, discuss the following questions:

     • • What monomer is illustrated in Image 1 below?

       • What are the polymers formed by this monomer?

Today's In-class Tasks:

• 1. With the use of K'nex kits, students will work through the following handouts: In Thinking - DNA Structure,  In Thinking - DNA Replication: Structured Notes, InThinking - The Structure of DNA and RNA,  RNA Replication: Structured Notes, Transcription, Comparing DNA Replication and Transcription, Decoding mRNA and Translation and DNA to Protein Worksheet.

  2. Students will make 24 K'nex nucleotides using the following numbers and colors 

     • • white - adenine (6)

       • black - thyamine (6)

       • gray - guanine (6)

       • green - cytosine (6)

  3. Using the following DNA Template Code, TAC ACG TGG ATC, students will then build a DNA model

  4. Combining group models, we will review the process of DNA replication

Assignments

1. If not finished, complete the DNA Videos and Building DNA assignment, given in Google Classroom - due next class

2. Begin taking notes on Module 11, below are the sections we are addressing:

a.     Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation

b.     Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes

c.     Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation

Supportive Media

Friday 5/10/2024

Focus: Genetics Test Part 2 / DNA Structure

We will be addressing the following NGSS standards in our new unit:

• 1.  Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.

  2.  Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.

  3. Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.

  4. The three NGSS standards above are addressed in the following sections of the book

a.     Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation

b.     Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes

c.     Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation

Bell Question:

• 1. Students will finish the 2nd part of the genetics test

  2. Once we change seats, and with your new partners, discuss the following questions:

     • • What monomer is illustrated in Image 1 below?

       • What are the polymers formed by this monomer?

Today's In-class Tasks:

• 1. Students will finish the 2nd part of the genetics test

  2. We will discuss the following questions:

     • • What monomer is illustrated in Image 1 below?

       • What are the polymers formed by this monomer?

  3. With the use of K'nex kits, students will work through the following handouts: In Thinking - DNA Structure,  In Thinking - DNA Replication: Structured Notes, InThinking - The Structure of DNA and RNA,  RNA Replication: Structured Notes, Transcription, Comparing DNA Replication and Transcription, Decoding mRNA and Translation and DNA to Protein Worksheet.

  4. Students will make 24 K'nex nucleotides using the following numbers and colors 

     • • white - adenine (6)

       • black - thyamine (6)

       • gray - guanine (6)

       • green - cytosine (6)

  5. Using the following DNA Template Code, TAC ACG TGG ATC, students will then build a DNA model

  6. Combining group models, we will review the process of DNA replication

Assignments

1. If not finished, complete the DNA Videos and Building DNA assignment, given in Google Classroom - due next class

2. Begin taking notes on Module 11, below are the sections we are addressing:

a.     Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation

b.     Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes

c.     Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation

Supportive Media