Description
The DNA inquiry based science journal is an easy way for students to get engaged in the content using inquiry and models.
DNA ATLAS (Analyzing and Thinking Like a Scientist) is an inquiry based learning journal developed to emphasize real world science without route memorization, making it easy to incorporate modern biology frameworks such as NGSS.
How to use DNA ATLAS: First, read the teacher guide so that you know what is expected of the students, as well as any materials you may need. You know your students best; after reviewing the teacher guide you may decide to skip certain activities in the ATLAS journal, and instead save them for teacher instruction.
Secondly, print the ATLAS inquiry journal for your students to begin the inquiry based learning!
Once the ATLAS journal is complete, move on to teacher-lead instruction (this material is not included).
DNA ATLAS OUTLINE:
Students inquire about the "Big Idea": DNA contains genes, which code for proteins. For this topic, a quick reading exercise to familiarize students with central dogma and the vocab is followed by the Build It Exercise where students must build a simple strand of DNA. The class then collaborates to create an alien. There are NO wrong answers in the ATLAS Journals!
MAPS are the Exploratory portion of ATLAS. Included are the following:
1. DNA Model: Students learn about the structure of DNA online.
2. Apply: Students apply what they have learned to their model, and answer some questions to make sure they understand the basic structure and base-pairing rules.
3. Predict: Students predict how related right whales are to other mammals, then study the nucleotide sequences to see how closely related each mammal is to a right whale.
Mutation Extension: A simple, 1 page introduction to mutations. You may use this as part of the ATLAS journal, or you may have your students complete it directly before teacher-lead instruction specific to mutations.
Materials: beads, pipe cleaners or thread for beads, tape, student computers or devices
FAQ:
1. Why is it called ATLAS?
- Atlas stands for "Analyzing and Thinking Like a Scientist".
2. Will this work with my current teaching materials?
- Absolutely! This is an easy way to incorporate modern science frameworks into any classroom, and will work with any existing teaching materials. Simply give it to your students before you teach your typical unit.
3. What do I need to use the ATLAS journal?
- Chromebooks or student devices are used for a small portion of the ATLAS Inquiry Journals. Additional materials, such as lab supplies, are found at bottom of every preview. These materials support the hands-on activities, but can be modified.
4. Is the ATLAS a complete unit? Does this replace my teaching unit?
- No, the ATLAS is a 7-10 page journal that takes approximately 3 classes to complete. It is designed for your students to complete before teacher-lead instruction. The teacher-lead unit materials are not included, but you can use the ATLAS journals with whatever teaching materials you currently use.
5. Will my students be more prepared for the topic I teach after using the ATLAS journal?
- Yes, it is tried and true inquiry based learning, which studies have shown result in greater retention and understanding of the phenomena.
Any other questions? Just drop me a note in my Q&A, or email me: vanessa@biology-roots.com
Here is a video to help give you a better idea of the ATLAS Inquiry Journal.
You may also be interested in:
© Vanessa Jason, 2023. All Rights Reserved.
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Description
The DNA inquiry based science journal is an easy way for students to get engaged in the content using inquiry and models.
DNA ATLAS (Analyzing and Thinking Like a Scientist) is an inquiry based learning journal developed to emphasize real world science without route memorization, making it easy to incorporate modern biology frameworks such as NGSS.
How to use DNA ATLAS: First, read the teacher guide so that you know what is expected of the students, as well as any materials you may need. You know your students best; after reviewing the teacher guide you may decide to skip certain activities in the ATLAS journal, and instead save them for teacher instruction.
Secondly, print the ATLAS inquiry journal for your students to begin the inquiry based learning!
Once the ATLAS journal is complete, move on to teacher-lead instruction (this material is not included).
DNA ATLAS OUTLINE:
Students inquire about the "Big Idea": DNA contains genes, which code for proteins. For this topic, a quick reading exercise to familiarize students with central dogma and the vocab is followed by the Build It Exercise where students must build a simple strand of DNA. The class then collaborates to create an alien. There are NO wrong answers in the ATLAS Journals!
MAPS are the Exploratory portion of ATLAS. Included are the following:
1. DNA Model: Students learn about the structure of DNA online.
2. Apply: Students apply what they have learned to their model, and answer some questions to make sure they understand the basic structure and base-pairing rules.
3. Predict: Students predict how related right whales are to other mammals, then study the nucleotide sequences to see how closely related each mammal is to a right whale.
Mutation Extension: A simple, 1 page introduction to mutations. You may use this as part of the ATLAS journal, or you may have your students complete it directly before teacher-lead instruction specific to mutations.
Materials: beads, pipe cleaners or thread for beads, tape, student computers or devices
FAQ:
1. Why is it called ATLAS?
- Atlas stands for "Analyzing and Thinking Like a Scientist".
2. Will this work with my current teaching materials?
- Absolutely! This is an easy way to incorporate modern science frameworks into any classroom, and will work with any existing teaching materials. Simply give it to your students before you teach your typical unit.
3. What do I need to use the ATLAS journal?
- Chromebooks or student devices are used for a small portion of the ATLAS Inquiry Journals. Additional materials, such as lab supplies, are found at bottom of every preview. These materials support the hands-on activities, but can be modified.
4. Is the ATLAS a complete unit? Does this replace my teaching unit?
- No, the ATLAS is a 7-10 page journal that takes approximately 3 classes to complete. It is designed for your students to complete before teacher-lead instruction. The teacher-lead unit materials are not included, but you can use the ATLAS journals with whatever teaching materials you currently use.
5. Will my students be more prepared for the topic I teach after using the ATLAS journal?
- Yes, it is tried and true inquiry based learning, which studies have shown result in greater retention and understanding of the phenomena.
Any other questions? Just drop me a note in my Q&A, or email me: vanessa@biology-roots.com
Here is a video to help give you a better idea of the ATLAS Inquiry Journal.
You may also be interested in:
© Vanessa Jason, 2023. All Rights Reserved.
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