The Mutations in Genes lab provides teachers:

• 7-Stage ADI Framework — Full Argument-Driven Inquiry structure centered on the driving question of how different types of mutations affect the resulting protein and what that means for organism function
• Phenomenon Hook & Notice/Wonder Protocol — Three real-world case options (sickle cell disease from a single base substitution, cystic fibrosis from a 3-base deletion, or a word-change analogy activity) with structured observation prompts and three discussion questions including a sentence-analogy activity comparing substitution vs. deletion effects and a prediction about what determines whether a mutation is harmful, neutral, or beneficial
• Background Reading — Student-facing text covering DNA structure and base pairing rules, RNA and the role of mRNA, proteins and amino acids, codons, the Central Dogma (DNA → RNA → Protein), transcription and translation, all four mutation types (substitution, insertion, deletion, silent), frameshift mutations, mutagens, and genetic code redundancy — all with worked examples
• Molecular Vocabulary Reference Table — Definitions and roles for all key molecules (DNA, RNA, protein, amino acid, codon) in one student-facing table
• Mutation Type Reference Table — All four mutation types with what happens to the DNA, effect on the reading frame, and likely protein impact side by side
• Fully Worked Mutation Example — A complete original DNA sequence (TAC-CGT-GAT-TCC-GGA) traced through all three mutation types showing the original RNA, mutated RNA, and resulting amino acid changes for substitution, insertion, and deletion — with explanatory notes for each
• Reading Check Questions — Three comprehension questions (frameshift vs. substitution damage comparison using the worked example; silent mutation and genetic code redundancy; somatic vs. germline mutation heritability) to verify understanding before investigation design
• Simulation Access Guide — Direct URL to the Concord Consortium Mutations simulation with a backup URL (DNA Interactive by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), plus a plain-English explanation of what the simulation shows and how to use it
• Student-Designed Investigation — Students write three separate IF…THEN…BECAUSE hypotheses (one per mutation type) plus a fourth location hypothesis predicting whether mutation position in the sequence matters, then identify all variable types before running any trials
• 9-Trial Structured Data Collection — Pre-designed trial matrix testing 3 mutation types × 3 positions (early, middle, late in the sequence) plus a control condition, with space for 2 additional student-designed trials — all recorded in a structured data table capturing original codons, mutated codons, protein effect classification, and number of amino acids changed
• Protein Effect Classification System — A 5-category outcome scale (Silent, Missense, Nonsense, Frameshift, No protein produced) printed on the student sheet for consistent data recording across all trials
• Simulation Procedure Guide — Step-by-step instructions for setting up, running, and recording each trial correctly, including resetting to the original sequence between trials
• Pattern Analysis Questions — Guided data analysis pushing students to compare mutation types by damage severity, evaluate whether position in the sequence matters, identify which conditions produced silent mutations and why, and connect simulation results to the real-world sickle cell and cystic fibrosis cases
• Whiteboard Argumentation Session — Structured claim-evidence-justification-limitations argument drafted individually then presented in a gallery-walk peer critique format with structured peer feedback cards
• Argument Revision Stage — Individual reflection on feedback received, changes made, and a revised written claim connecting mutation type and position to protein outcome and organism-level effects
• 5 Checkout Questions — Standards-aligned exit questions tied to MS-LS3-1 covering frameshift vs. substitution comparison, silent mutation explanation using genetic code redundancy, somatic vs. germline mutation heritability, a real-world application connecting simulation results to sickle cell disease, and a nature-of-science question about using simulations as scientific models
• Investigation Report Template — Three-section structured writing frame (Introduction, Method, Argument) with sentence starters for each section
• Teacher Guide & Answer Key — Pacing guide, facilitation tips for each stage, common misconceptions (frameshift confusion, students thinking all mutations are harmful, confusing transcription and translation), differentiation strategies for grades 6 (support) and grade 8 (extension), recommended videos and outside resources, complete sample data table with expected simulation results, full sample answers for all questions, argument quality indicators, and a 5-level scoring rubric