One of the most challenging topics for Biology students is protein synthesis. This Protein Synthesis Activity forces to dive into the content and develop an understanding of the process. They also have fun doing it!
In this protein synthesis activity, students must create a skit or a role play of the process of protein synthesis. Students must describe both transcription and translation throughout the skit.
Protein Synthesis Activity Requirements
This activity provides students with rubric to guide them through the development of their skit. Students are required to use the following terms throughout their presentation in some way:
- DNA Molecule
- Nucleotides
- Amino acids (make sure they are attached to the correct tRNA)
- RNA Polymerase
- mRNA (codon must be mentioned)
- tRNA (anticodon must be mentioned)
- rRNA (Ribosome)
- start codon
- stop codon
Students always have great discussions as they talk through the process of making their skit about protein synthesis.
Sometimes groups get stuck and are not sure where to begin. When that happens I show them an animation. They can watch it as much as they need in order to develop an understanding of the process of protein synthesis and apply it to their skit.
To help ease the fear of presenting in front of the class, I also offer students the opportunity create a video presentation instead of presenting in class. It is some extra work but some student are glad to do it instead of presenting in front of the class.
Sometimes students do not equally participate. In this activity, all students are required to have an equal speaking part and it is in the rubric. I also tell students that they may lose points as an individual if they do not “pull their weight” in the activity.
Props for Protein Synthesis
Skits have props. You definitely need to give students a time limit on prop building or they will be building forever! Students can bring in their own supplies or you can provide the supplies.
In my classroom, I have a bin of random items that I collect from old kits, packing materials and random items I find that might be able to serve as a good model building materials.
My students have created some pretty amazing presentations using this protein synthesis activity. I hope your students enjoy it and it helps them learn the process of proteins synthesis as well.
If you like this activity, check out our Macromolecule Boxing Activity.
If you need a Full Biology Curriculum with every single day of your school year planned out you can get it here.
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