DNA Monster Script

Introduction: Hook & DNA Basics (5 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! I have a wild question for you today: What if you could play mad scientist and design your own creature? Not just any creature, but a monster born from your imagination, with its own unique traits and abilities?"

(Pause for student reactions and ideas)

"Well, today, we're going to do just that! We're going to dive into the secret code that makes every living thing unique – even your wildest monster creations. That code is called DNA."

(Advance to DNA Slide Deck - DNA: The Blueprint of Life)

"Think of DNA as a super-secret instruction book, hidden inside almost every cell of every living thing. It's like the ultimate recipe book, but instead of cookies, it tells an organism exactly how to grow, what color its eyes should be, how many legs it should have, or if it should have scales or fur. It’s the blueprint that makes you, YOU! And it's what will make your monster, well, a MONSTER!"

(Advance to DNA Slide Deck - DNA and Traits)

"These instructions in DNA determine all the traits or characteristics of an organism. For example, my DNA gives me brown eyes. A cat's DNA gives it fur. A fish's DNA gives it fins and gills. What are some traits you can think of that are determined by DNA?"

(Allow students to share ideas: hair color, height, ear shape, etc.)

"Exactly! Now, imagine you're designing a monster. What crazy, cool, or even creepy traits could its DNA give it? Two heads? Rainbow scales? Super-stretchy limbs? Keep those ideas in mind, because you're about to become the ultimate monster geneticist! This is where we blend Science with Art and Engineering."

Engineering Design Process & Project Intro (10 minutes)

(Advance to DNA Slide Deck - The Engineering Design Process)

"Creating something new, whether it's a new smartphone, a bridge, or even a fantastic new monster, often follows a similar path called the Engineering Design Process. It's a set of steps that engineers and designers use to solve problems and invent things. Today, we'll be using this process, integrating Technology for research if you choose, and Math for thinking about proportions and scale. Let's look at the steps:

1. Ask: Every great project starts with a question or a problem. For us, it's: 'What kind of unique monster do I want to create, and what inherited traits will its DNA give it?'
2. Imagine: This is the brainstorming phase! No idea is too wild. Think about all the possibilities for your monster's appearance, abilities, and characteristics. You can even use digital tools or quick online searches (if allowed) to inspire your ideas – that's the Technology part!
3. Plan: Once you have some ideas, you'll choose the best ones and start sketching them out. This is where you'll make decisions about your monster's specific traits, and on your worksheet, you'll even think about Math by considering its proportions and size.
4. Create: This is where your monster comes to life on paper! You'll draw and label its features, thinking about how its DNA would dictate these traits.
5. Improve: After you've created your initial design, you'll think about how you could make it even better. How could your monster evolve? What new traits might its DNA develop?"

(Advance to DNA Slide Deck - Your Challenge: Design a DNA Monster!)

"So, your challenge today is to Design a DNA Monster! You'll use the Engineering Design Process to guide you. I'm going to give each of you a Monster Design Worksheet. This worksheet will help you through the 'Imagine' and 'Plan' steps, and give you space to 'Create' your monster. On it, you'll sketch your monster and list its unique traits, specifically thinking about how its 'DNA' would give it those characteristics. Remember to also consider the Math behind its proportions on the worksheet."

"For example, if your monster has three eyes, you'll write down 'Three Eyes (DNA Trait).' If it has glowing fur, that's another DNA Trait. Be creative!"

Monster Design Activity (10 minutes)

(Distribute the Monster Design Worksheet)

(Advance to DNA Slide Deck - Time to Create!)

"Alright, designers and geneticists! Now it's your turn. Use the next 10 minutes to work on your Monster Design Worksheet. Sketch your monster, label its amazing DNA-driven traits, and think about the 'Improve' step. Remember to complete the Math section for proportions! I'll be walking around to see your incredible ideas and answer any questions you have."

(Circulate, offer assistance, and encourage creativity. Remind students to think about how DNA is responsible for the traits they are assigning their monster and to consider mathematical aspects.)

Share & Reflect (5 minutes)

(Advance to DNA Slide Deck - Share Your Monster!)

"Alright, bring your attention back up here! Time is almost up, and I can't wait to see what amazing creatures you've all imagined. Let's take a few minutes to share. Who would like to show off their DNA monster and tell us about it?"

(Call on 2-3 students to share. Ask guiding questions:)

"- What makes your monster unique?"
"- How did DNA influence its traits?"
"- Which step of the Engineering Design Process did you find most helpful or fun? Did anyone use Technology for inspiration or think about the Math behind their monster?"

"Excellent work, everyone! You've not only designed some truly original monsters, but you've also practiced thinking like both a scientist and an engineer. You've applied concepts of DNA and inherited traits, you've walked through the steps of the Engineering Design Process, and you've even touched on Technology and Math in your designs. You should be proud! Please turn in your Monster Design Worksheet as you leave. Great job!"

Monster Design Worksheet: My DNA Monster!

Name: __________________________
Date: __________________________

1. Ask: The Challenge

Your mission: Design a unique monster! Think about what kind of creature you want to create and what amazing, weird, or powerful traits its DNA will give it.

2. Imagine: Brainstorming Wild Ideas!

What kind of monster will it be? What special body parts, colors, or abilities could its DNA give it? List as many ideas as you can think of!

My Monster Ideas:

3. Plan: Sketch & Select Your Traits

Choose your favorite ideas from above. In the box below, sketch your monster. Around your sketch, label at least 5 unique traits that you imagine its DNA would be responsible for. Be specific! (e.g., "Three eyes - DNA Trait," "Scaly Skin - DNA Trait," "Fire Breath - DNA Trait")

My Monster's DNA-Driven Traits:

1. ______________________________________________
   
2. ______________________________________________
   
3. ______________________________________________
   
4. ______________________________________________
   
5. ______________________________________________
   

Math Integration: Proportions & Scale

How big is your monster? What are the proportions of its body parts? Think about how these measurements might help it survive or interact with its environment.

• Approximate Height/Length: _________________________
• Ratio of Head to Body: _________________________
• Number of Limbs: _________________________

4. Create: Bringing Your Monster to Life (Draw above!)

(You've already started creating your monster with your sketch and labels! Make sure your drawing is detailed and your traits are clearly marked.)

5. Improve: How Could Your Monster Evolve?

Think about your monster. If it lived in a different environment, or if it needed to adapt, what new trait might its DNA develop? How could you improve your design?

DNA Monster Design Rubric

Student Name: ________________________
Date: ________________________

This rubric will be used to assess your DNA Monster Design project. Pay attention to how well you connect your monster's traits to the idea of DNA and how you use the engineering design process, incorporating all aspects of STEAM.

Total Score: ________ / 20

Teacher Comments: