Introduction

You have learned that many of the traits you possess; height, weight, color and shape of your eyes,the texture of your hair-resemble the characteristics of your parents. You inherited copies of your parents' chromosomes, which contain sets of instructions called genes. Gregor Mendel's experiments and results confirmed that "genes" are why you resemble who you do. However, another question remained unanswered: What are genes made of? In this WebQuest you will be the scientist ! You will seek out information on this mastermind of a molecule that is individually unique to each and every living thing. You will find out about the events that led to the identification of the genetic material that instructs all cellular activity. You will explore ways in which this molecule is used in many aspects of our society from agriculture, medicine to solving criminal cases. It makes you who you are and me who I am. I love me and you love you and soon you will find out "What's To Love About DNA"

Learner Task: the learner will complete some the following culminating tasks:

• construct a 3-D model of the DNA molecule (colorful and properly labeled)
• complete two journal response entries responding to a current findings or publications concerning (1) current DNA research and (2) the Human Genome Project (the response will include title, documentation, summary of article,conclusion, and societal impact of the implications in the reading)
• learn and sing the class "DNA Song"
• compose and perform an original song, poem or rap about DNA

The following resources will be informative and quite helpful as you become the scientist and uncover what there is to love about DNA:

• Class Text: Biology Principles and Explorations; Holt Rienhart & Winston
• The following web sites:
  • ABOUT DNA
  • Human Genome Research
  • DNA Molecule - Two Views
  • DNA Structure
  • DNALC: Gene News
  • To Know Ourselves: Tools of the Trade
  • The Biology Project: Molecular Biology
  • Genetics Glossary: Human Genome Project Information
  • DNA Forensics: Problem 2
  • DNA Forensics: Problem 3
  • The Blackett Family DNA Activity
  • Rotating DNA Molecule
  • Successful Sheep Cloning; How They Did It !
  • Cloning
  • Human Genome Project Information
  • RNA
  • Protein Synthesis
  • More Neat Links

The task is not a mission impossible! This mission should you choose to accept it will require that you explore your text and go surfing on the web on the tide links that are provided and the listed resources.

Section 8-1 Identifying the Genetic Material of your class text "Principles and Explorations" discusses scientists and experiments that have led to the discovery and undisputed conclusion of what is responsible for inherited traits that you and I possess.

Once identified, you now can be the scientist and discover more ABOUT DNA including its structure and composition. By further exploring the resources you can complete the tasks that have been mentioned above.

All genes have not been found, however, currently research is underway to map all the genes that humans possess. You can find out all about this research by linking to Human Genome Project Information on the web.

After you have completed your scientific investigation you must complete the assigned tasks as indicated:

1. (with a team) construct a 3-D model of the DNA molecule (colorful and properly labeled)
   • use any non perishable construction materials that you want, make sure each part of the structure of the molecule is properly labeled and that your finished product is colorful and creative - it can be small enough to fit the palm of your hand or large enough to fit on your desk top - once finished be prepared to present your molecule and demonstrate how DNA is copied using your model
2. on your own complete two journal responses on the following DNA related topics:
   • the Human Genome Project
   • current DNA research in agriculture, medicine or criminal research
3. get with a partner or form a group and perform the DNA song taught in class and compose and perform an original DNA song poem or rap - you may use musical instruments and choreographed steps to accompany your performance - make sure your text include facts you have learned about DNA

Evaluation of performance will include completing learner tasks:

• construct a 3-D model of the DNA molecule (colorful and properly labeled)
• complete two journal response entries responding to a current findings or publications concerning (1) current DNA research and (2) the Human Genome Project (the response will include title, documentation, summary of article,conclusion, and societal impact of the implications in the reading)
• learn and sing the class "DNA Song"
• compose and perform an original song, poem or rap about DNA

Proceed to the rubric to assess student performance.

After having completed this WebQuest, the learner will have gained an in-depth knowledge of the molecule that is considered to be the essence of life of all living things. The history of the discovery of the molecule, along with its structure and its function lends to a greater understanding of the spectacular job of this most magnificent structure and the role it plays in the life and heredity of all living things. The construction of a 3-D model will give a hands on up close and personal view of how the nucleotides actually fit together to form the DNA molecule. Also, a visual support will be given to the understanding and process of transcription.

Furthermore, knowledge will be enhanced and thoughts provoked along the lines of important implications that can result from the use and misuse of current gene technology and genetic engineering.

• What does it mean for future medical advancements, agriculture and industry?
• How will it affect future criminal case investigations?
• Cloning-where should it begin and where should it end?
• Just how ethical are some of these issues?
• What really are the future societal impacts of advancements in research with this molecule?
• What's to love about DNA?