Learning about the science of food

Helping connect the classroom to real-world science is one of Feed the World’s goals. Stacie Taylor of Bethel Tate High School used what she learned at the Ohio Corn & Wheat-sponsored summer Feed the World workshop with her biology students at Bethel Tate High School to help them understand how this science relates to agriculture.

As part of the Heredity standards for high school biology, students learn that genes are segments of DNA that code for protein, as well as cellular and molecular mechanisms for inheritance and the expression of genetic information (e.g., complementary base pairs in DNA and RNA, transcription/translation). The students modeled how to transcribe DNA to mRNA and translate mRNA to tRNA. The students enjoyed the DNA sentences activity and stated it was fun to move around the room instead of sitting at their desks.

As part of the high school standards for Heredity, students investigate dihybrid crosses through real-world examples. The students used the Punnett squares activity for review. This activity incorporated genetics and agriculture and a offered the students a different perspective through biotechnology. They became interested in the science of agriculture while working on the activity. Many stated they had never thought about how their food is grown and that science is involved in what they eat.

Taylor said, “I look forward to incorporating even more of these activities into my lesson plans next year, especially using the Feeding the world unit in Environmental Issues.”

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