DNA & RNA Structure Presentation & Notes

Help your students build a strong foundation in genetics with the DNA & RNA Structure Presentation & Notes. This clear and engaging resource guides students through the essential question: “How do the structures of DNA and RNA help them carry and pass on genetic information?”

Using relatable analogies, scaffolded explanations, and built-in comprehension checks, this 25-minute presentation introduces the components, structure, and functions of DNA and RNA. Students will explore how traits are inherited, how DNA stores genetic instructions, and how RNA helps turn those instructions into proteins. Key differences and similarities between DNA and RNA are broken down in a way that’s approachable and age-appropriate for middle and high school students.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

• 27-Slide Presentation: A student-friendly, content-rich slideshow that features labeled diagrams, real-life examples of traits, simplified definitions of key terms, visual models of DNA and RNA, and built-in practice questions to support understanding of abstract content.
• 7-Page Full Notes: Structured teacher and student notes that align directly with the presentation. These notes explain concepts clearly, reinforce key vocabulary, and help students make connections between structure and function in DNA and RNA.
• 7-Page Guided Notes: Fill-in-the-blank style student notes that promote active engagement, support focus, and guide students through the key ideas without overwhelming them.

Why You’ll Love It:

• No prep needed – A complete, ready-to-use mini-lesson perfect for introducing DNA and RNA in any genetics or molecular biology unit. Ideal for life science or biology classes.
• NGSS-aligned – Supports standards like MS-LS3-1, MS-LS3-2, and HS-LS1-1 by helping students understand how genetic information is stored, passed on, and used to make proteins.
• Designed with students in mind – Clear, friendly explanations and engaging visuals help students grasp complex ideas like base pairing, nucleotide structure, and the role of RNA.
• Supports comprehension – Built-in check-in slides and real-life examples (like inherited traits and mutations) help students connect new information to things they already know.

Pro Tip: When introducing DNA, start with something personal and relatable—like asking students, “What makes you you?” or “Which traits do you think you got from your parents?” This creates curiosity and helps students see the relevance of DNA before diving into the structure and vocabulary. Making the lesson personal right from the start helps anchor abstract concepts in real-world connections.

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Thanks for visiting!
Jessica