As biology students begin their unit on DNA, they are diving into a collaborative project designed to help them better understand genetic mutations and their real-world effects.

In Advanced Biology classes, students are analyzing different case studies to determine what types of mutations have occurred and how those changes impact organisms. The project requires students to examine DNA sequences, protein structures, and organism-specific traits before forming a scientific claim.

“We’ll look at DNA sequences, we’ll look at protein structure, and then some very specific things about those organisms,” said Advanced Biology teacher Farhana Razzaque. “Each group will get a different organism to work with, and they’ll present their claim as to whether they think changes in DNA can cause changes in the organism.”

Once students develop their claims, they will present their findings to the class, encouraging discussion and deeper analysis of genetic concepts.

Freshman Sheersh Srivastav said he is looking forward to the hands-on nature of the assignment.

“I’m a little excited for this ADI project,” Srivastav said. “I think it’ll help us be really creative and also help us learn more about the cell cycle in a creative way. I think the best way to learn something is to actually be doing it, and this project will help us learn much better than just copying down notes.”