Using videos to explain DNA

Paige Hale holds a DNA replica.

 by Sadie Hale

     Mrs. Rietjens’ biology class is doing a recording project. The students are to create a video that explains the structure of DNA.
     They were assigned this project on Monday, January 14, and it is due on Tuesday, January 22. The students feel as if this is the perfect amount of time to get the project done.
       Her students feel like this project helps them understand DNA better. Cara Matthews explains her feeling when she said, “This video is helping me understand DNA better because we have to actually say the facts and it normally takes a lot of tries, so we memorize the information automatically.”
     When asked what she’d do differently, Natalie Belingheri said, “I would try to plan out what to do first, instead of just winging it.”
     The students like this project because of how clear it was explained, and how it helps them know what they are studying in class. Matthews said, “She explained the video super well, and we also have a rubric to help us.”
     Her classmate Paige Hale adds, “I like how clear this project is, and we know what is expected of us.”
     The students enjoy this videoing project because it is something new and creative, that they haven’t ever done before. “I especially like this project because it helps me memorize the vocabulary,” Hale said. “I also now know the difference between a leading strand and a lagging strand in DNA.” 
​