Biology for Middle School - Molecular Biology/Biotechnology (Semester 2)

In this LIVE course, which is geared toward an introduction to molecular biology and biotechnology, your student will learn: 

WEEKS 1 - 8
⭐Week 1 - Lesson: RNA
⭐Week 2 - Lesson: Transcription
⭐Week 3 - Lesson: Translation
⭐Week 4 - Lesson: Amino Acids and Protein Structure
                      - Project #1: Protein Synthesis Project
                      -  Directions and Rubric
⭐Week  5 -  Lesson: Protein Denaturing
⭐Week 6 - Lesson: Gene to Polypeptide/Intro to Mutations
⭐Week 7 - Lesson: Types of Mutations
⭐Week 8 - Lesson: Protein Types
                      - Review Game/Quiz

_______ MIDDLE _______

WEEKS 9 - 18
⭐Week 9 - Lesson: Enzymes 
⭐Week 10 - Lesson: Enzymes Continued
⭐Week 11 - Lesson: Genetic Disorders
                      - Project #2: Genetic Disorder Research Project
                      - Directions and Rubric
⭐Week 12 - Lesson: Intro to Biotechnology - PCR/Gel Electrophoresis
⭐Week 13 - Lesson: CRISPR and Gene Transfer
⭐Week 14 - Lesson: GMOs
⭐Week 15 - Lesson: Cloning Types
⭐Week 16 - Lesson: Genetic Therapies
                       - Class Review/Game

Each class will have a short lesson, videos for reinforcement, group activities, review games, and vocabulary review. Students will be given weekly note sheets, three projects, digital practice sheets, and small (optional) quizzes to test their understanding. 

All work can be completed digitally, but if your student prefers doing the projects on paper, the following materials are suggested: paper, colored pencils, and small household items.

By the end of this course, your student will have a firm foundation in understanding DNA, RNA, protein synthesis, mutations, and biotechnology. 

They will learn about how DNA is used to create RNA for protein synthesis, how codons are read to make proteins, the purpose of protein, how mutations can occur, genetic disorders caused by mutations, and how biotechnology and engineering work to help us solve medical issues caused by defects in our DNA.

Students are intrigued by molecular biology and new medical techniques but do not know how they work. We will dive deeply into these concepts and the medical research and practices used to solve some of life's most critical issues.