Yes, as most of us educators know, most students jump for joy when they hear candy is involved in their lessons. I want to share with you this DNA activity that is always a HIT in my classroom. This is one that, surprisingly, many life science teachers I talked to, said they did not know about. After I tried it with my classes, I made it a must-include-lesson in my DNA unit every year. One, because students enjoyed it, and second, because students learned what I wanted them to about DNA's basic structure. There are many sites on how to make a DNA candy model, so feel free to check others out-but here is one I like: A DNA CANDY MODEL.
Before students make their candy models, I like for them to create their key on a large index card. On the card, they will choose a color to that will be used for EACH nitrogen base. Depending on what gummy candy they are using, they will choose from the four colors in that type of candy. I usually recommend gum drops, but gummy bears can work too. In gum drops, the colors would be usually red, green. yellow, and orange (so each color would represent one of the bases). So, for example, on their index card key if they have Red= Adenine (or A or adenine written in red) and Green= thymine (or T or thymine written in green) then in their DNA model I would want to see that red was always paired with green in their models, since in DNA A always pairs with T. If they have a mutation on purpose, they have to indicate this to me (mismatched pair). After my students build their DNA models and make their index card key, they then complete the questions handout to receive full credit for their assignment. See my example below of the order in which they completed their assignment:
FIRST! INDEX CARD
SECOND! BUILD THEIR DNA MODELS
THIRD! DNA CANDY MODEL QUESTIONS
*You may download my free DNA CANDY MODEL questions worksheet to go with this lesson.
What I like most about these kinds of lessons, is that they are a hands-on type of activity. Many kids learn best by doing and seeing. Reading about DNA's structure won't sink in with all students, they need to see and touch something that represents it. Making their own DNA model will help make the parts of DNA more relatable to some who may be struggling to understand its molecule's structure.
As a teacher, I would recommend walking around the room to ensure all students are on task, and be there to answer any questions. If you want your students to eat their models, have students wash their hands thoroughly before BUILDING and EATING them and sanitize their desks. I usually have students work on a clean paper plate after sanitizing their desks. If there is not a sink in your classroom for students to wash their hands in, then hand sanitizers are the next best thing. I love this one hand sanitizer in particular, Zep Hand Sanitizer which contains 66% ethanol. What I like most about this skin disinfectant is it comes in a large spray bottle, so you can sanitize many hands in a quick jiffy! I also like to have plastic storage bags ready for students who want to take their models home to show their parents.
If you try this lesson in your class, I hope you and your students enjoy it!
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