The Code of Life:
An Introduction to DNA Project Design

Project Authors:

• Deirdre London, Cranston High School East, Science Department
  
• Linda Lorenzo, Cranston High School East, English Department
  

Project Outcome

Internet Activities:

• Given a variety of source sites, students will access and select appropriate information.
• Students will gain familiarity and confidence in using the Internet as a research tool.
• Students will access information from local experts.
• Students will collate and interpret survey responses from the Internet.

• Students will connect via E-mail with research scientists at local colleges and universities to ask questions they have formulated in their small groups.
• Students will survey Rhode Island high school students about a specific genetic characteristic in their family background.

• Students will work cooperatively in groups in class on the following: an historical perspective report, a 3-dimensional DNA model, an amino acid sequence activity, questions for the experts, the design and implemention of a survey, and a current soci
• Students will work on a survey with students at another Rhode Island high school with connection to Massachusetts high schools.

• Create a 3-dimensional model
• Make an oral presentation with visual aides
• Solve problems
• Communicate with experts
• Access and select information
• Create a survey
• Collate and interpret survey results
• Publish data from the survey

• Social Studies: Historical perspective and social issues of DNA research
• English Language Arts: Reading, writing, speaking, listening, research skills, and vocabulary development
• Art: 3-dimensional modeling
• Mathematics: Ratios, probability, sampling techniques, and statistical analysis
• Health: Environmental and life-style effects on offspring

• Teacher-made questionnaire
• Oral presentation
• Model
• Teacher-made test
• Group problem-solving
• Performance
• Personal response paper

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