DNA Model Directions & Rubric

DNA Model Directions & Rubric Your assignment is to research and build a Double Helix DNA Model. Your DNA Model will be due on February 20th. You will have 2 weeks to work on it. So, do a great job and don’t put it off until the last minute! I would suggest using wire or pipe cleaners as a framework, and using beads, or some other item that you can support on the framework to represent sugars, phosphate groups, and the four nitrogenous bases. You will also need to show the hydrogen bond that connects the nucleotides. That means you need seven different colors or shapes, and a way to hold them together and support them. Also, the model must show the helical shape of DNA. (Note: you will come across a variety of different materials that you can use to build your model. Choose what works best for you). No food or candy can be used to create your model. NO DNA KITS ALLOWED OR A 0 WILL BE GIVEN. Finally, your model must be accompanied by a key that has your name and a title, plus a representation of each different part of your model identified as to which structural part it represents. Points will be distributes as stated on the rubric = 100 points total 5 extra credit points if you turn in this form with your project I do not expect this to be an expensive project, so use what you have. You can make great models using a variety of items that are cheap and inexpensive. So be creative with this model! Do not use anything that will spoil or create a mess. Do not make it too big. Remember, you have to get it to school in one piece. Your model should be between twelve and eighteen inches long, depending on what it is made of. It should have a minimum of 30 base pairs represented. If you have an idea that doesn’t fit this description, please check with me first to make sure it will work and you will get maximum points. These would look great hanging from the ceiling as we come into the Spring season. Have fun!!

DNA/RNA Model Rubric

Nitrogen bases (rungs)

SCORE:

Nitrogen bases are correctly represented with opposite base pair colors consistent.

Name _____________________

Nitrogen bases are shown in pairs, but colors are not consistent

30 29 28 27 26 Sugars and Phosphates (railings)

Sugars and phosphates are correctly represented, with alternating colors and nitrogen bases only coming from sugars.

25 24 23 22 21 Sugars and phosphates are represented with alternating colors, but nitrogen bases are attached at random.

Nitrogen bases are not shown with separate colors

20 19 18 17 16 15 Railings are part of model, but not shown in alternating colors.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Models Likeness to DNA / RNA

DNA Model is a 3D twisted ladder, with nitrogen base pairs (steps) all of the same size. RNA is single stranded

Model is 3D, but flat – not a twisted ladder. Nitrogen base pairs have different lengths and railings touch as they cross over.

Model is not 3D

15 14 13 12 11

20 19 18 17 16

10 9 8 7 6 5 Labeling/Key

Present, thorough and neatly done. Integral part of project.

Present and complete, but appears hastily done as an afterthought 10 9 8 7 6

15 14 13 12 11 Completeness

Neatness/Effort

5 4 3 2 1 0(not present)

Adequate number (at least 30) of nitrogen base pairs/bases to show understanding and concept.

Less than 30 (20-29) base pairs.

20 19 18 17 16

15 14 13 12 11

Extremely neat.

5

Present, but not complete.

Neat.

3

Minimal number (under 20) of base pairs. Needs more.

10 9 8 7 6 5 Not too neat.

1