The discovery of the structure of DNA
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe how scientists collected evidence and shared findings to develop a model to describe the structure of DNA.
Key learning points
- DNA was discovered in 1869, but scientists did not work out its structure until 1953.
- Scientists collected evidence and shared findings to develop a model to describe the structure of DNA.
- Rosalind Franklin’s team in London used X-rays to produce an image of a DNA molecule in1952.
- Maurice Wilkins from Franklin’s group showed the picture to James Watson from Cambridge.
- Watson and Francis Crick used the picture evidence to complete a model to describe the double helix structure of DNA.
Keywords
DNA - DNA is the chemical substance that genetic material is made out of; it stores the genetic code.
X-ray - An X-ray is a form of radiation that can be used for creating images.
Double helix - DNA has a double helix structure made from two chains in a spiral.
Genome - The genome is all of the genetic material of a cell.
Common misconception
DNA was discovered by Watson and Crick.
The lesson explores the work of various scientists in developing our understanding of DNA, including Rosalind Franklin.
Teacher tip
The final task involves creating a timeline of historical events, which could be done as an engaging hands-on activity using images, displays and even multimedia.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which type of cell does not store DNA in a nucleus?
Q2.What is stored in DNA?
Q3.Which of the following statements best describe the structure of DNA?
Q4.DNA is passed from parent to offspring during which common life process?
Q5.Why was the heredity of features discovered before DNA?
Q6.What are the four letters that make up the genetic code?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What did James Watson and Francis Crick discover?
Q2.In 1952 what did Rosalind Franklin produce?
Q3.What was the name of the scientist in a team with Rosalind Franklin at King's College?
Q4.Put these events in the discovery of DNA in the correct order.
Q5.Which of the four scientists involved in the discovery of DNA was not awarded the Nobel prize?
Q6.All of the DNA in an organism is called the ...
To help you plan your 7 science lesson on: The discovery of the structure of DNA, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 science lesson on: The discovery of the structure of DNA, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Heredity and DNA unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.