Double Helix: The Race to Discover the Structure of DNA - Article - FREE!
Unravel the Mystery: Get Your FREE Double Helix Lesson (Zero Prep, Full Class Hour!)
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Here’s What’s Inside (All Ready for You)
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What You Get
Informational Text Article: Double Helix: The Race to Discover the Structure of DNA—A comprehensive reading on the historical context of the discovery, key figures and the fundamental components of DNA structure
Getting Engaged
Engaging Critical Thinking & Debate Activities: Includes prompts for debating Rosalind Franklin's contribution to the discovery
Getting Stuck In
Guided Practice & Concept Checks: Includes discussion prompts and structured questions to solidify understanding of DNA vocabulary (e.g., helix, nucleotide, chromosome) and the importance of the base pairing rules.
Having Edu-Fun!
Interactive WebQuest & Extension Activities: Research-based tasks focused on real-world applications of DNA (e.g., forensic science, agriculture/GMOs) and the impact of the discovery on molecular biology and medicine.
Stop Boring Lectures. Start Real Learning.
Fulfills an Entire Class Period — Stop worrying about filler activities; the full 18-page lesson is guaranteed to provide one full hour of quality instruction.
Your students will be begging for more!
Benefits
Our full 18-page lesson plan moves beyond memorizing vocabulary. It fosters advanced conceptual mastery by having students analyze the historical, social, and technological impact of the DNA structure discovery on modern genetics and medicine.
Engaging Activities
Go Beyond the Textbook — The included Debate Prompts and Extension Activities provide differentiation and encourage independent, research-based learning in bioethics and history of science.
Zero-Prep Required
Built for Deep Understanding (Grades 6-12) — The combination of an article, historical analysis, and debate ensures conceptual mastery for a wide range of secondary students.
Built for Deep Understanding
Builds scientific thinking habits — defining, labeling, and applying core concepts in molecular structure, scientific history, and heredity.
Interactive Learning
Collaboration & discussion built in — students interact meaningfully
What Teachers Say About Our Lesson Plans...
Kathleen K.
9th grade teacher
This was a great sub plan resource. It took the entire class time for students and they had fun doing the work.
Beth S.
9th grade teacher
I’ve been incredibly impressed with this! It’s engaging, easy to use, and thoughtfully designed to support real learning.
Victoria B.
5th grade teacher
I appreciated the ease you can differentiate to meet all needs. Excellent, accurate and easy to follow!
Laura P.
7th grade teacher
This TPT purchase has been a fantastic addition to my middle school science lessons. The resource is thorough, accurate, and clearly presented, making it very easy for students to understand complex scientific concepts. I particularly liked the hands-on activities/differentiated materials (choose one or adapt) which really helped bring the topic to life in my classroom. It's a huge time-saver for lesson planning, and I've seen a noticeable improvement in student engagement and comprehension. Highly recommend for any middle school science teacher looking for reliable and engaging materials!
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