Free Dna Lesson Plan for 9th Grade Students

Topic: how is dna formed

Objectives & Outcomes

• By the end of this lesson, you will be able to describe the structure and function of dna and explain how it is formed.

Materials

• Diagrams or images of dna
• Handouts with information about dna structure and function
• Whiteboard and markers

Warm-up

• Ask students if they have heard of dna.
• Ask them to describe what they know about dna.
• Write their answers on the whiteboard.

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the concept of dna as the genetic material in all cells.
• Explain that dna is made up of four nucleotides: adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine.
• Ask students to repeat the names of the nucleotides after you.
• Explain that dna is a double-stranded helix and that each strand is made up of nucleotides that are paired up with complementary bases: adenine (A) with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) with guanine (G).
• Show students a model of a dna strand and have them identify the nucleotides and their complementary bases.
• Explain that dna is the blueprint for the body's proteins, which are the building blocks of tissues and organs.
• Ask students to imagine what their bodies would look like if their dna was rearranged or if they had the wrong dna.

Guided Practice

• Have students work in pairs or small groups to sort a set of cards with dna-related terms and concepts into the correct columns: nucleotides, complementary bases, dna helix, and proteins.
• Assist students as needed and provide feedback on their sorting.
• Ask students to explain their sorting logic and make any corrections needed.
• Review the correct sorting with the class.

Independent Practice

• Have students work on a project-based activity in which they create a poster or presentation to teach others about dna.
• Students should include information about the structure and function of dna, as well as at least one example of how it is used in everyday life.
• Assist students as needed and provide feedback on their projects.
• Have students present their posters or presentations to the class.

Closure

• Review the main points about dna discussed during the lesson.
• Ask students to share one thing they learned about dna during the lesson.

Assessment

• Observe students during the independent practice activity and provide feedback on their understanding of dna.
• Review and provide feedback on the dna reports submitted by students.