DNA Model and Cloning Project

Background: The structure of DNA was discovered in 1953. Since this time the field of biology has had incredible advancements. Now scientists from around the world are cloning animals and body parts, and are discussing cloning endangered and extinct organisms.

Framing question: Under what circumstances, if any, should organisms be cloned?

Four questions about human cloning: (Think about costs, benefits, advantages, necessity, etc.)

1.

2.

3.

4.

Requirements: 1. Develop four questions (in class) and write them at the top of your research paper. Write a report that answers your questions. Your report should have a minimum of 3 paragraphs (two days in class). (+36 points) a. Paragraph 1: Introduction that includes a description of what cloning is. b. Paragraph 2 or more: Answers your questions with supporting evidence (you need statistics and facts). You need to include WHERE you got the information from. Do not just simply answer your questions but answer the questions in paragraph form. c. Paragraph 3: Conclusion/ evaluation. Evaluate whether you think we should clone animals and why (based on your findings). d. You need to use at least two different sources for your information (Wikipedia cannot be one of them!). You must list the three sources at the bottom of your paper.) 2. Build a model of DNA (to be completed at home).(+24 points) a. Use biodegradable or recycled materials to make your DNA. You will need 6 different items to represent the different parts: deoxyribose (sugar), phosphate, and the four bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine). You will also need some way to connect these parts. (Smaller is better!!) b. The model must be exactly 10 nitrogen bases long on each side. c. Include a key to identify each part.

Due date: ______DNA Model and Cloning Project Rubric Category 2 4 6 Assessed

Students generate questions Students generate questions Students generate socially Questions with teacher guidance that are with minimal teacher guidance significant, interesting to students not socially significant, but questions may not be and researchable questions without interesting to students and/or socially significant. Questions teacher help. researchable. are researchable. DNA model The key is incomplete (missing The key is incomplete (missing The key in complete, clear, and neat. key three or more) or not clear. 1-2 items) but what is completed is clear (obvious). DNA model DNA base pairs rules are not DNA base pair rules are DNA base pair rules are always base pairs followed. sometimes followed but not followed (A with T, and C with G) always. DNA model The shape of the DNA is not The shape of the DNA is 2- The shape of the model is accurate shape accurate. dimensional but is otherwise and 3-dimensional. accurate. DNA model The model is messy and The model is a little messy or an The model is neat and there are 10 appearance disorganized and shows an incorrect number of bases are bases shown on each side of the DNA incorrect number of bases are shown. strand. shown.

Cloning Does not introduce the topic Somewhat introduces the topic Introduces the topic well and shows a research well or does not clearly answer or answers what cloning is but is clear understanding of what cloning (paragraph 1) what cloning is. a little confusing. is. Cloning Student does not answer all of Student answers most of their Student answers all of the cloning Research their cloning questions. cloning questions. questions. (paragraph 2) Cloning Student uses little facts to Student uses some facts to Student uses many facts to support Research support their research. support their research. their research. (paragraph 2)

Cloning Conclusion is not based on Conclusion is somewhat based on Conclusion is based on research to Research research or does not fully research and/or answers the the cloning questions asked and (paragraph 3) answer the framing question. framing question but with little summarizes the main ideas in the support. proceeding paragraphs and clearly answers the framing question. Research Student provides one resource. Student provides two Student provides three credible resources, or provides non- resources. credible resources

Total points _____/60