P-4, Advanced Proficiency, 10Th Grade, Science

P-4, Advanced Proficiency, 10th Grade, Science THE CENTRAL DOGMA: DNA»RNA»PROTEIN END-of-UNIT PROJECT MENU In order to receive a final grade on our “central dogma” unit you will need to complete one of the three following projects. As we engage in an overarching introduction to this unit, consider which most appeals to you and then complete the bottom section of this page. You must submit your proposal to me by the end of the day on Wednesday (11/6), and all projects are due on Friday, November 22nd. OPTION 1 – “DAY IN THE LIFE OF A GENE” You are a journalist who has been sent to cover a “day in the life of a gene.” Your assignment is to file a report to the class explaining exactly what happened during your trip into the interior of a cell: where you went, what you saw happening, how it happened, etc. You will be responsible for a 5-minute presentation, complete with visuals and interviews. Further details and project rubric to come. OPTION 2 – “GENES 101 in 5 PAGES (OR SLIGHLY LESS)” You are an author charged with rewriting the three textbook chapters covering the central dogma, 46 pages total – in just 5 double-spaced pages. Your assignment is to clearly and concisely summarize all that you have learned, using diagrams and charts as appropriate. Further details and project rubric to come. OPTION 3 – “SUPER-GENE” You are a comic strip artist with a passion for science, and you want to educate your readership about the ways in which genes direct the essential processes taking place within living organisms. Your assignment is to create a comic strip that illustrates the central dogma, including all key players (including “Super- Gene!”), processes, and outputs. Further details and project rubric to come. PROPOSAL: Which project are you planning to undertake? Why?

Laying the Foundation: Biology Groundwork Assignments In addition to the work we do as a class, there will be times when I will ask you to work individually on particular assignments that are intended to help you succeed. You may notice that you’re not doing the same assignment as your colleagues. THAT’S OKAY. I’ve designed readings and activities that are meant to help YOU do the best you can. Some of these assignments, which are listed below, can be found in your group’s Table Folder. You should work on these groundwork assignments during unscheduled time, when you finish another assignment early, or when you want an extra challenge. I will also sometimes assign these as homework. If you have any questions about your particular groundwork assignments, please ask! I’m ready to help. Possible Groundwork Assignments:  Mad Scientists – a review of the scientific method o Reading: pp. 3-14  The Pied Pipette – a review of proper laboratory techniques o Reading: pp. 18-26  Is Fire Alive?...and Other Burning Questions – a review of the characteristics of life o Reading: pp. 56-76  King Paul Cries Out for Good Soup – a review of biological classification o Reading: pp. 87-104  Bones, Guts, and Skin – a review of human anatomy o Reading: pp. 155-175  Hormones are Helpful – a review of the endocrine system o Reading: pp. 198-214