Protein Synthesis: The Transcription and Translation Game
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design an interactive game to model the process of protein synthesis, demonstrating how the sequence of DNA ultimately determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein through transcription and translation?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How does the sequence of DNA determine the sequence of amino acids in a protein?
- What are the roles of transcription and translation in protein synthesis?
- How can a model be used to simulate the process of protein synthesis?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the central dogma of molecular biology (DNA -> RNA -> Protein).
- Model the processes of transcription and translation.
- Explain how the sequence of DNA determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein.
- Apply knowledge of protein synthesis to design an interactive game.
Teacher Provided
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Mysterious Mutation
A strange disease is affecting the local wildlife, and initial analysis points to a protein mutation. Students must reverse-engineer the protein synthesis process to identify the error and propose a solution, framing the project as a critical investigation.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.DNA Decoder: Transcription Challenge
Students will begin by focusing on the transcription phase of protein synthesis. They will learn to convert a DNA sequence into its corresponding mRNA sequence, understanding the base pairing rules and the role of RNA polymerase.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 correctly transcribed mRNA sequence from a given DNA template, demonstrating understanding of base pairing rules.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the initial part of standard 5c1: transcribing a gene segment.Translation Station: Decoding mRNA
Building upon the transcription activity, students will now translate the mRNA sequence into an amino acid sequence using a codon chart. This activity emphasizes the role of codons and tRNA in bringing the correct amino acids to the ribosome.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 correctly translated amino acid sequence from an mRNA sequence, demonstrating understanding of the genetic code.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the translation aspect of standard 5c1: translating a gene segment into an amino acid sequence.Protein Architect: Building a Model
Students will design a physical or digital model representing the entire protein synthesis process, from DNA to protein. This model should visually demonstrate transcription and translation, including the key molecules involved (DNA, mRNA, tRNA, ribosomes, amino acids).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 model (physical or digital) of protein synthesis, showcasing the processes of transcription and translation.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the 'develop and use models' component of standard 5c1. Also, covers the clarification statement, since they will use this model to explain the phenomenon.Game Developer's Journal: Protein Synthesis Edition
Students will begin designing their interactive game by outlining the game mechanics, rules, and learning objectives. This involves creating a storyboard, flowchart, or design document that details how the game will simulate protein synthesis.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 game design document that outlines the game's mechanics, rules, and learning objectives, including a storyboard or flowchart.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsPrepares students to apply their knowledge of protein synthesis (standard 5c1) in a game format.Interactive Protein Synthesis Game
Students will use their game design document to build a functional interactive game. This can be a digital game using coding platforms (Scratch, Unity) or a board game. The game should allow players to transcribe and translate a gene segment to create a protein.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 functional interactive game (digital or board game) that simulates the process of protein synthesis.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsApplies the knowledge from standard 5c1 to create a model of protein synthesis in the form of a game.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioProtein Synthesis Game Design Rubric
Scientific Accuracy
Accuracy of the representation of protein synthesis processes (transcription and translation) in the game.Transcription Accuracy
Correctness of the transcription process as represented in the game.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe game accurately and completely models the transcription process, including base pairing rules and the role of RNA polymerase. Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the process.
Proficient
3 PointsThe game accurately models the transcription process, demonstrating a solid understanding of base pairing rules and the role of RNA polymerase.
Developing
2 PointsThe game attempts to model the transcription process, but contains some inaccuracies or omissions in the representation of base pairing rules or the role of RNA polymerase.
Beginning
1 PointsThe game does not accurately represent the transcription process or demonstrates a limited understanding of base pairing rules and the role of RNA polymerase.
Translation Accuracy
Correctness of the translation process as represented in the game.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe game accurately and completely models the translation process, including the roles of mRNA, tRNA, ribosomes, and codons. Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the process.
Proficient
3 PointsThe game accurately models the translation process, demonstrating a solid understanding of the roles of mRNA, tRNA, ribosomes, and codons.
Developing
2 PointsThe game attempts to model the translation process, but contains some inaccuracies or omissions in the representation of mRNA, tRNA, ribosomes, or codons.
Beginning
1 PointsThe game does not accurately represent the translation process or demonstrates a limited understanding of the roles of mRNA, tRNA, ribosomes, and codons.
Game Design
Effectiveness and engagement of the game mechanics in teaching protein synthesis.Engagement and Interactivity
How engaging and interactive the game is for the player.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe game is highly engaging and interactive, captivating players and encouraging them to actively participate in the protein synthesis process. The game mechanics are innovative and well-integrated with the scientific content.
Proficient
3 PointsThe game is engaging and interactive, providing players with opportunities to actively participate in the protein synthesis process. The game mechanics are well-designed and contribute to the learning experience.
Developing
2 PointsThe game has some engaging elements, but may lack consistent interactivity or fail to fully captivate players. The game mechanics may be somewhat simplistic or disconnected from the scientific content.
Beginning
1 PointsThe game is not very engaging or interactive, and players may struggle to participate actively in the protein synthesis process. The game mechanics are poorly designed or absent.
Clarity of Rules and Objectives
How clear and easy to understand the game rules and objectives are.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe game rules and objectives are exceptionally clear, concise, and easy to understand. Players can quickly grasp the game's purpose and how to play effectively. The rules are seamlessly integrated into the gameplay experience.
Proficient
3 PointsThe game rules and objectives are clear and easy to understand. Players can readily grasp the game's purpose and how to play effectively.
Developing
2 PointsThe game rules and objectives are somewhat unclear or confusing, making it difficult for players to fully understand the game's purpose or how to play effectively. Some rules may be poorly explained or inconsistently applied.
Beginning
1 PointsThe game rules and objectives are unclear, confusing, or absent, making it difficult or impossible for players to understand the game's purpose or how to play.
Model Representation
Effectiveness of the game as a model for protein synthesis.Visual Representation
How well the visual elements of the game represent the molecules and processes involved in protein synthesis.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe game uses highly effective and accurate visual representations of DNA, mRNA, tRNA, ribosomes, and amino acids, enhancing understanding of the protein synthesis process. Visuals are creative, clear, and contribute significantly to the learning experience.
Proficient
3 PointsThe game uses effective and accurate visual representations of DNA, mRNA, tRNA, ribosomes, and amino acids, aiding in the understanding of the protein synthesis process.
Developing
2 PointsThe game uses visual representations of DNA, mRNA, tRNA, ribosomes, and amino acids, but some elements may be inaccurate, unclear, or poorly designed, hindering understanding of the protein synthesis process.
Beginning
1 PointsThe game uses minimal or inaccurate visual representations of DNA, mRNA, tRNA, ribosomes, and amino acids, failing to effectively model the protein synthesis process.
Process Simulation
How well the game simulates the actual steps of transcription and translation.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe game simulates the processes of transcription and translation in a highly detailed and accurate manner, providing players with a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved. The simulation is seamless, interactive, and reinforces learning effectively.
Proficient
3 PointsThe game simulates the processes of transcription and translation accurately, providing players with a solid understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved.
Developing
2 PointsThe game attempts to simulate the processes of transcription and translation, but some steps may be simplified, inaccurate, or missing, limiting the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved.
Beginning
1 PointsThe game does not effectively simulate the processes of transcription and translation or provides a very limited and inaccurate representation of the molecular mechanisms involved.