These DNA Replication Stations are a fun, student-led way to get your students up and moving while actively engaging with key biology content. With ten low-prep stations, students will explore, model, and interact with the full process of DNA replication through hands-on tasks, diagrams, vocabulary, and critical thinking activities.
Students will explore the steps, enzymes, and mechanisms of DNA replication in these ten low-prep stations. Your download includes ten text-editable DNA replication stations, editable student handouts, a 3-page teacher’s guide and lesson plan, and Google Slides version of the activity.
This fun stations activity is included in a discount biology lab stations bundle!
DNA REPLICATION STATIONS OVERVIEW:
- Station 1: Semiconservative DNA Replication
Students read about the semiconservative nature of DNA replication and complete activities on their response sheet, including coloring and labeling parts of diagram of semiconservative DNA replication.
- Station 2: DNA Replication Enzymes
Student read about each enzymes role in DNA replication as well as Okazaki fragments and leading and lagging strands. They then complete a graphic organizer on their response sheet.
- Station 3: DNA Replication Practice
Students read a passage about the nature of nucleotides, Chargaff’s rule, and use base-pairing rules to answer questions and create complementary strands of DNA.
- Station 4: DNA Replication Sequencing Card Sort
Students read a short passage to support the activity before sorting included premade cards to model the sequence of DNA replication.
- Station 5: DNA Replication Fork
Students analyze a model of a DNA replication fork and then color and label a model of the replication fork on their answer sheet.
- Station 6: DNA Replication Matching
Students use included premade cards to match DNA replication terms and definitions.
- Station 7: DNA Replication CER Activity
Students read about why proper DNA replication is essential to life and complete a short CER writing activity with scaffolded prompts.
- Station 8: DNA Replication Graph Analysis
Student read background information and analyze a graph on how normal and mutated DNA polymerase affects the rate of DNA replication of time. They complete follow-up activities on their response sheet.
- Station 9: DNA Base-Pairing Toss
Designed as a fun and low prep movement-based brain-break station, students toss labeled ping pong balls or coins (labeled with A, T, C, and G) into one of four complementary base labeled cups or other containers you have laying around. They they answer short questions on their response sheet.
- Station 10: DNA Replication Task Cards
Students answer eight higher-learning synthesis questions about DNA replication including data table analysis questions, short answer questions, and multiple choice questions.
Easy Set Up: With the included lesson plan and teacher’s guide, you will receive a DNA replication stations overview page with each station’s overview and necessary materials needed to be placed at each station. You do not need station signage because each station card is clearly marked with the station number and name.
Editable: Included in your download are a text-editable set of station cards and a text-editable version of the student handout.
Pacing: This activity should take between 1.5 to 2 50-minute class periods.
Easy to Find Materials: This DNA replication lab is designed to use materials you already have in your classroom or at the dollar store. Stations are editable, so feel free to omit any that you do not have materials for or demonstrate stations as a whole class to reduce the amount of materials needed.
You will need:
- Colored pencils
- 4 plastic cups or containers to hold up to five ping pong balls or coins
- 20+ ping pong balls or coins
DNA Replication Stations Download Includes:
- Ten DNA Replication Stations Cards (PDF and Google Slides)
- 4-Page Student Answer Sheet (PDF and Google Slides)
- 3-Page Teacher’s Guide and Lesson Plan (PDF)
- Original Content, Diagrams, and Activities
- Answer Key (PDF)
- Editable Stations Cards and Student Handouts (text-editable PPT)
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