ExploreLearning Gizmos are interactive online simulations and case studies for math and science that power inquiry and understanding through hands-on learning and experimentation. With more than 550 Gizmos covering STEM topics for grades 3-12, students can dig deeper into subjects and really understand challenging concepts. And we’re always developing new Gizmos and updating our current ones.
We have long wanted to make a few improvements to the Building DNA Gizmo, and they’re finally done! Here are some of the changes we’ve made:
- To streamline the first phase of the Gizmo, students build the initial DNA strands by linking nucleotides together rather than by dragging individual phosphates and nucleosides.
- We show the antiparallel structure of the DNA molecule by only allowing students to build from top to bottom on the left strand and from bottom to top on the right strand.
- The graphics and animations of the DNA helicase and DNA polymerase molecules have been improved and are now much more realistic.
All of the lesson materials and assessment questions for this online science simulation have been updated as well. We hope you enjoy the updated Building DNA, and let us know how you like it!
