Lesson 3 of 84 · Cells
Experiment⭐ 30 XP🌿 Wild JungleDNA: The Code of Life
DNA: The Code of Life.
🎯 Your mission
Set it up. Test it. Be amazed.
⚡ The twist
Every species solves the same problem differently.
Mind = Blown
🐙 An octopus has 9 brains and 3 hearts.
Make a hypothesis first
Before you watch: what do you think it'll do?
What You'll Learn
Genes are segments of DNA that code for specific traits like eye color, hair texture, and blood type. Humans have approximately 20,000 genes spread across 23 pairs of chromosomes.
Key Words
- nucleus
- DNA
- gene
Materials Needed
- index cards
- markers
- ruler
- scissors
- microscope (or magnifying glass)
Safety First
- Wash hands after handling materials.
- Be careful with scissors — ask an adult for help if needed.
- Do not look directly at the sun or bright lights.
Steps
Read the introduction and identify the main idea of this lesson.
Model mitosis using pipe cleaners as chromosomes. Show each phase: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Use your senses (except taste) to describe what you notice.
Write a summary of your findings in 3-5 sentences.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 3What is a gene?
Where you see this in real life
Your own body is doing this thousands of times every second.
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Find one thing about your body that's different from a friend's. Wonder why.
For the dinner table
“Tell me something you noticed about your own body today.”
Next Smart Experiment
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