Extra Credit Project

*EXTRA CREDIT PROJECT* Due Tuesday January 20th, 2009

We have recently learned about DNA, its structure and function in living organisms. Your understanding of DNA is an essential component to learning about Biology. We will continue to revisit DNA and discuss it in depth during our next units on genetics and genetic engineering. To earn extra credit for quarter 2, you have the option of building a model of DNA and describing it. If your project follows the guidelines below and is submitted on time (due Tuesday January 20th 2009) you can earn up to 30 points toward the lab/project portion of your grade!

GENERAL GUIDELINES: The DNA model needs to be three dimensional, not a drawing. You are allowed to use any appropriate building materials you have at home to construct your model of DNA. Please don’t go out and buy materials, use what you have around the house (including recycled materials, scrap yarn, old broken toys, coat hangers, empty paper towel rolls, shoe boxes, scrap paper, beads, buttons, etc…). Don’t make the model so large that it is difficult to transport, but it needs to be at least 30cm (≈12 inches) tall to include sufficient detail. Each part of DNA needs to be accurately represented with the model. This includes the sugar and phosphate “sides” and nitrogen base “rungs” of a DNA “ladder”. A minimum of 8 nitrogen bases are required (you can choose the bases, but they need to follow appropriate base pairing rules for DNA). Each part of the DNA model must be clearly labeled. The labels need to be on the actual model, not numbered with a key. You could write on the actual model or attach labels on strips of paper. ALL parts need to be labeled!! In addition to having each DNA part clearly labeled, there must also be a description of DNA. Descriptions of DNA components need to be written in your own words, NOT copied form the text. In the description, the following things need to be described and explained: the general importance and function of DNA, the general shape of DNA (and who discovered it), base pairing rules, a description of a nucleotide and its relevance to DNA. Descriptions must be written in full sentences and TYPED. They can be attached to the actual model or submitted separately. Be creative; try making a tri-fold pamphlet, mini poster, or flyer to describe your project.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

No late models will be accepted for any reason!! All extra credit must be turned in on due date!! If you are going to be absent on that day, the project must be submitted earlier!

Extra credit will not be accepted if not accompanied by a TYPED description as indicated above.

Review the rubric below before submitting your project to be sure you followed all guidelines!

It is REQUIRED that you print the rubric below and submit it with your completed DNA model. Failure to submit rubric will cause loss of points. (Please save paper! You do not need to print this entire document, just print pg.3. You could even print your descriptions on the back of the rubric to save even more!)

SPECIAL FOOD NOTE: My suggestion is that you make a non-edible model, but if you choose to use food products it is imperative that you do not use any nut products (including any type of nut, peanut better, anything with peanut butter in it, Reese’s pieces, Reese’s peanut butter cups, etc…) Failure to follow this food guideline will mean loss of credit for this project! NO EXCEPTIONS! Also, the class will not be allowed to consume any food products brought into the classroom/lab. *EXTRA CREDIT: DNA Model Rubric* Due Tuesday January 20th, 2009

Name:______

Model is at least 30cm tall /1

Model is creative and uses appropriate materials /2

Model represents DNA shape accurately /2

Includes a minimum of 8 nitrogen base pairs /2

Nitrogen base pair are all accurate /2

All nitrogen bases are all labeled /2

Sides of DNA are accurately modeled /2

All parts of sides of DNA are accurately labeled /2

Typed description MUST be included to earn credit:

Importance of DNA is discussed /3

Function of DNA is described /3

DNA structure is explained /1.5

-Including who discovered it /1.5

Nitrogen base paring rules are described /3

Nucleotide and relevance to DNA is described /3

If rubric is not included, minus 10 points ___ Total Points Awarded: /30

Comments:

*Extra Credit Project*

Extra Credit Project