Virginia SOL LS.10.a
The Standard
DNA has a role in making proteins that determine organism traits
Virginia Standards of Learning for Science · The student will investigate and understand that organisms reproduce and transmit genetic information to new generations. Key ideas include
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students trace how information in a gene is used to build a protein. They connect differences in proteins to observable traits in an organism.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students can explain a simple sequence from gene to protein to trait. They can predict how a changed gene might alter a protein and affect a trait.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think DNA directly creates traits or that one gene always controls one trait. They may also confuse genes, DNA, chromosomes, and proteins as different names for the same structure.
How to Assess It
- Give students this exit prompt: A gene changes, causing a protein to have a different shape. Explain one way this could affect a trait.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups DNA codon cards and an amino acid key, then have them assemble paper protein chains and compare the resulting traits.
Ask students to write a three-step explanation linking a gene, a protein, and eye pigment.
Play a matching game where students pair gene changes, altered proteins, and possible trait effects.
Examine lactose tolerance and discuss how differences in gene activity affect the protein used to digest lactose.
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Printable LS.10.a Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to LS.10.a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- LS.3.c
similar characteristics determine the classification of organisms.
- LS.2.c
similarities and differences between plant and animal cells determine how they support life processes;
- LS.10.b
the role of meiosis is to transfer traits to the next generation; and
- 1.5.b
animals have different physical characteristics that perform specific functions; and
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