Decoding the Zombie Virus: A DNA Mystery
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as genetic detectives, use our understanding of DNA structure, mutation, and genetic analysis to trace the source of a zombie virus outbreak and develop a potential cure?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How does DNA structure relate to its function in coding genetic information?
- What are the mechanisms of DNA mutation, and how do these mutations affect protein synthesis?
- How can genetic analysis techniques be used to trace the origins and spread of a viral outbreak?
- In what ways can an understanding of genetics inform the development of treatments for viral diseases?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to explain the structure and function of DNA in the context of viral mutation.
- Students will be able to analyze genetic data to trace the origins and spread of a simulated viral outbreak.
- Students will be able to apply genetic principles to propose a potential cure for a viral disease.
Teacher Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsZombie Outbreak News Bulletin
A breaking news bulletin reports a rapidly spreading zombie outbreak. The broadcast includes shaky footage, interviews with panicked citizens, and a plea for scientists to step forward and help identify the source of the virus and develop a cure.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.DNA Structure Unveiled: The Blueprint of Life
Students will explore the basic structure of DNA, its components, and how it functions as the blueprint of life. This activity sets the stage for understanding how mutations in DNA can lead to the zombie virus.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed diagram of the DNA structure with an explanatory paragraph on its function.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsB.H.2: Structure and function of DNA in cells. Focuses on the foundational knowledge of DNA structure, directly aligning with the standard.Mutation Mayhem: Decoding Genetic Changes
Students will investigate different types of DNA mutations (point, frameshift, etc.) and their potential effects on protein synthesis and cell function. This activity highlights how mutations can lead to the zombie virus's unique characteristics.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation or report explaining different types of mutations and their potential effects on protein synthesis, using the zombie virus as a hypothetical example.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsB.H.2: Structure and function of DNA in cells. Explores how changes in DNA (mutations) affect cellular function. B.H.3: Genetic mechanisms and inheritance. Introduces the concept of genetic mutations as a mechanism of genetic change.Genetic Detective Work: Tracing the Outbreak
Students will use genetic analysis techniques (e.g., sequence comparison, phylogenetic trees) to trace the origin and spread of the zombie virus. This activity involves analyzing simulated genetic data to identify the source of the outbreak.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA report detailing the genetic analysis process, including sequence comparisons, a phylogenetic tree, and conclusions about the origin and spread of the zombie virus.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsB.H.3: Genetic mechanisms and inheritance. Applies genetic analysis techniques to understand the spread of the virus, directly aligning with genetic mechanisms and inheritance patterns.Cure Quest: Proposing a Genetic Solution
Students will apply their understanding of genetics to propose a potential cure for the zombie virus. This activity encourages creative problem-solving based on genetic principles.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed proposal for a genetic cure to the zombie virus, including a scientific explanation, potential risks and benefits, and ethical considerations.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsB.H.3: Genetic mechanisms and inheritance. Encourages the application of genetic knowledge to develop a cure, reinforcing understanding of genetic mechanisms. Learning Goals: Addresses the learning goal of applying genetic principles to propose a potential cure for a viral disease.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioDecoding the Zombie Virus: A DNA Mystery Rubric
DNA Structure and Function
Demonstrates understanding of DNA's components, structure, and its role in encoding genetic information.Accuracy of DNA Diagram
The accuracy and completeness of the DNA diagram, including correct labeling of nucleotides, bases, and the sugar-phosphate backbone.
Exemplary
4 PointsDiagram is exceptionally accurate and detailed, with all components correctly labeled and a clear representation of the double helix structure. Shows sophisticated understanding of DNA structure.
Proficient
3 PointsDiagram is accurate and includes all major components of DNA. Labeling is correct, and the double helix structure is well-represented.
Developing
2 PointsDiagram contains some inaccuracies or omissions. Some components may be mislabeled, or the double helix structure is not clearly represented.
Beginning
1 PointsDiagram is largely inaccurate or incomplete. Many components are missing or mislabeled, and the double helix structure is poorly represented.
Explanation of DNA Function
Clarity and accuracy of the paragraph explaining how the sequence of bases in DNA determines genetic information.
Exemplary
4 PointsExplanation is exceptionally clear, concise, and accurate, demonstrating a deep understanding of how the sequence of bases encodes genetic information. Provides insightful details and connections.
Proficient
3 PointsExplanation is clear, accurate, and explains how the sequence of bases determines genetic information. Demonstrates a solid understanding of the concept.
Developing
2 PointsExplanation is somewhat unclear or contains minor inaccuracies. Demonstrates a basic understanding of the relationship between base sequence and genetic information.
Beginning
1 PointsExplanation is unclear, inaccurate, or missing. Demonstrates a limited understanding of the relationship between base sequence and genetic information.
Mutation Analysis
Demonstrates understanding of different mutation types and their effects on protein synthesis.Explanation of Mutation Types
Comprehensive understanding of different types of DNA mutations (point, frameshift, etc.) and their mechanisms.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive and nuanced explanation of various mutation types, including their mechanisms and potential outcomes. Demonstrates sophisticated understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately explains different types of DNA mutations (point, frameshift, etc.) and their mechanisms. Demonstrates a solid understanding of mutation types.
Developing
2 PointsExplanation of mutation types is incomplete or contains some inaccuracies. Demonstrates a basic understanding of mutation types.
Beginning
1 PointsExplanation of mutation types is limited, inaccurate, or missing. Demonstrates a limited understanding of mutation types.
Prediction of Mutation Effects
Ability to accurately predict the effects of mutations on amino acid sequences and protein function.
Exemplary
4 PointsAccurately predicts the effects of mutations on amino acid sequences and protein function with detailed reasoning and justification. Provides insightful analysis.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately predicts the effects of mutations on amino acid sequences and protein function. Demonstrates a good understanding of the relationship between mutations and protein synthesis.
Developing
2 PointsPrediction of mutation effects is partially accurate or incomplete. Shows some understanding of the relationship between mutations and protein synthesis.
Beginning
1 PointsPrediction of mutation effects is inaccurate or missing. Demonstrates a limited understanding of the relationship between mutations and protein synthesis.
Genetic Analysis and Outbreak Tracing
Applies genetic analysis techniques to trace the origin and spread of the zombie virus.Sequence Comparison and Mutation Identification
Effectiveness in comparing genetic sequences and identifying unique mutations in the zombie virus.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional skill in comparing genetic sequences and identifying unique mutations, providing clear and detailed explanations of the significance of these mutations.
Proficient
3 PointsEffectively compares genetic sequences and identifies unique mutations in the zombie virus. Demonstrates a good understanding of sequence comparison techniques.
Developing
2 PointsSequence comparison is partially complete, and some mutations may be missed or misidentified. Shows a basic understanding of sequence comparison.
Beginning
1 PointsSequence comparison is incomplete or inaccurate. Demonstrates a limited understanding of sequence comparison techniques.
Phylogenetic Tree Construction and Interpretation
Accuracy and clarity of the phylogenetic tree and the interpretation of the relationships between different zombie samples.
Exemplary
4 PointsConstructs an accurate and informative phylogenetic tree, providing a clear and insightful interpretation of the relationships between zombie samples and tracing the virus's origin with strong evidence.
Proficient
3 PointsConstructs a clear and accurate phylogenetic tree and interprets the relationships between different zombie samples. Demonstrates a good understanding of phylogenetic analysis.
Developing
2 PointsPhylogenetic tree is partially accurate or incomplete, and the interpretation of relationships may be unclear or contain inaccuracies. Shows a basic understanding of phylogenetic analysis.
Beginning
1 PointsPhylogenetic tree is inaccurate or missing. Demonstrates a limited understanding of phylogenetic analysis.
Cure Proposal
Applies understanding of genetics to propose a potential cure for the zombie virus.Scientific Rationale and Feasibility
Soundness of the scientific rationale behind the proposed cure and its feasibility based on current genetic technologies.
Exemplary
4 PointsProposes a cure with a strong scientific rationale, demonstrating a deep understanding of genetic principles and feasibility. Considers potential challenges and limitations with insightful solutions.
Proficient
3 PointsProposes a cure with a sound scientific rationale and discusses its feasibility based on current genetic technologies. Demonstrates a good understanding of genetic principles.
Developing
2 PointsRationale behind the proposed cure is partially sound, and the discussion of feasibility is limited or contains some inaccuracies. Shows a basic understanding of genetic principles.
Beginning
1 PointsRationale behind the proposed cure is weak or missing, and the discussion of feasibility is limited or inaccurate. Demonstrates a limited understanding of genetic principles.
Ethical Considerations
Consideration of the ethical implications of the proposed genetic cure.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive and nuanced discussion of the ethical implications of the proposed cure, demonstrating a deep understanding of bioethics and societal impact. Considers multiple perspectives and potential unintended consequences.
Proficient
3 PointsDiscusses the ethical implications of the proposed genetic cure, including potential risks and benefits. Demonstrates a good understanding of ethical considerations in genetic research.
Developing
2 PointsEthical considerations are addressed superficially or incompletely. Shows a basic awareness of ethical issues in genetic research.
Beginning
1 PointsEthical considerations are not addressed or are largely inaccurate. Demonstrates a limited awareness of ethical issues in genetic research.