Introduction to Organic Molecules: Nucleic Acids

Embark on a Thrilling Nucleic Acid Quest!

Hold on tight, because this digital learning adventure is about to take students on a whirlwind journey into the fascinating world of nucleic acids! This Google Slides lesson is not just a lesson; it's an exhilarating exploration of the very essence of life.

1. Nucleotide Nexus: Get ready to unravel the mysteries of nucleic acids! Students will dive headfirst into the world of nucleotides, discovering that they are the very building blocks of DNA. They'll witness the awe-inspiring structure of DNA, a double helix that holds the key to life itself.

2. Molecule Mastery: The excitement continues as students delve into a captivating article, where they'll decipher the chemical structure of nucleic acids. They'll embark on a quest to determine the complementary strands of four DNA molecules, distinguishing nucleotides, RNA molecules, and DNA molecules through thrilling visual challenges. Brace yourselves for an exploration of hydrolysis and dehydration synthesis that will leave students on the edge of their scientific seats!

3. Object Odyssey: The adventure takes an unexpected turn as students categorize pictures of objects and molecules, determining whether they are stellar examples of nucleic acids, a different type of organic molecule, or an inorganic marvel.

This is not just a lesson; it's a heart-pounding journey into the very core of life itself! Students will be captivated by the excitement of scientific discovery, all while mastering the intricacies of nucleic acids.

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Join the Lesson Laboratory and Teach for Tomorrow!

NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards)

High School NGSS Alignment

• HS-LS1-1: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
  Connection: Students explore the structural composition of nucleotides, model the shape of DNA and RNA, and connect structure to genetic function.

• HS-LS3-1: Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.
  Connection: Students investigate how DNA stores hereditary information and how RNA serves as the messenger between genetic code and protein synthesis.

• HS-LS3-2: Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from new genetic combinations through meiosis, errors during replication, or mutations caused by environmental factors.
  Connection: The lesson builds foundational understanding of nucleic acid structure, essential to later lessons on replication, mutation, and inheritance.

Science & Engineering Practices:

• Constructing explanations

• Developing and using models

• Analyzing and interpreting data

• Engaging in argument from evidence

Crosscutting Concepts:

• Structure and function

• Systems and system models

• Cause and effect

Middle School NGSS Connections (for adaptation)

• MS-LS3-1: Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) may affect proteins and result in different effects on an organism.
  Connection: The lesson’s modeling of DNA/RNA bases supports understanding of how sequence changes can alter function.

• MS-LS3-2: Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in identical genetic information, while sexual reproduction results in variation.
  Connection: The foundation of genetic information storage prepares students for understanding inheritance mechanisms.

Common Core Standards

Grades 9–10 / 7–8:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.2 / RST.6-8.2: Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a scientific text; summarize complex molecular information (DNA and RNA structure).

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.4 / RST.6-8.4: Determine the meaning of scientific vocabulary (nucleic acid, nucleotide, base pairing, dehydration synthesis).

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.7 / RST.6-8.7: Integrate visual data (molecular diagrams, base pairing illustrations) with text explanations.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.2 / WHST.6-8.2: Write informative/explanatory texts that describe molecular relationships or reactions (hydrolysis, dehydration synthesis).

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.9 / WHST.6-8.9: Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis and explanation of molecular structure and function.