The DNA & Transformation Group Activity guides students in understanding that (1) DNA carries genes (that determine traits) and can be passed from cell to cell, (2) the role of experimental design in isolating effects of test variables, and (3) inferring outcomes can be facilitated by systematically predicting and examining each potential outcome. The content addressed the need to deepen students’ understanding of scientific inquiry, and to introduce DNA as the molecule that can determine and transfer specific traits. Understanding experimental design, the role of control and experimental groups, and how to make predictions and interpret results in the context of their predictions requires practice.
This Bio1A-equivalent activity, focuses on recalling prior knowledge about nucleic acids; introduced the timeline of understanding DNA as the molecule of inheritance, and the design of “Griffith’s Experiment” regarding transfer of pathogenic traits in bacteria; and asks students to make and explain predictions, and to compare answers with Griffith’s outcomes.
This activity includes assessment of learning using content knowledge questions (Pre- and Post-Activity) and evaluation of the activity (feedback) in Google Forms. Students answer 3 multiple choice questions and a short answer question before the activity, and similar questions after the activity to compare outcomes. Students are also asked to provide feedback to evaluate the activity, group interactions, challenges with the activity, and how they liked participating in the activity.
Activity Files
The activity is formatted in Google Slides. If you’d like to try out the activity, click on the google slides and then Make a Copy to your google drive. Activity files for Instructors is a link to a Google Drive with Instructions to set up the activity. We do not include a public answer key, but you can request one from us using our contact info.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. You are welcome to use and remix these activities as long as you include attribution to the original author: Social Tools for Bio Team 2022.