Teach the concepts of the central dogma of biology with a hands on activity of building cute creatures (bug babies) from candy!  Participants will practice transcribing DNA into RNA from a template, and then use the RNA sequence to build amino acids. Using a “protein decoder” will allow for translation of RNA into specific traits.  Bug babies will then be built using marshmallows and other household supplies; demonstrating firsthand how the alteration of a few nucleotides can result in very different organismal phenotypes.

Students construct paper recombinant plasmids to simulate the methods genetic engineers use to create modified bacteria. They learn what role enzymes, DNA and genes play in the modification of organisms. For the particular model they work on, they isolate a plant herbicide resistant gene and combine it with a bacteria's gene sequence (plasmid DNA) to engineer crops' resistance to herbicide Roundup.

Use the Case Analysis Sheet as a scaffold for students when they begin a new case study (or read a newspaper article). This sheet  will help students generate questions and reflect on what they already know about the topics in a case, as well as identify types of resources to use as they learn more.  

Using paper chromosomes each marked with a unique allele, students make their Reebops (a fictional animal), form gametes, fertilize and make two generations of offspring.  They then construct the offspring out of candy using a trait/gene chart.  Pedigree charts may be introduced as an option. 

From CAST, this updated version of the three principles of UDL has suggested checkpoints

Resource from CAST on developing learning goals