Download DNA History: A Timeline Activity

Name: ________________________________________
Period: ____
DNA History: A Timeline Activity
Objective:
Create a timeline highlighting the major events that led to the discovery of the DNA molecule and its
structure.
Instructions:
1. Read textbook (chapter 16) and the website: http://www.dnai.org/timeline/index.html to analyze the
contribution of the six following scientists to the discovery of the DNA molecule and its structure.
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Frederick Griffith
Oswald Avery
Alfred Hershey and Martha Chase
Erwin Chargaff
Maurice Wilkins and Rosalind Franklin
James Watson and Francis Crick
2. Once you feel comfortable with their contribution and their experiments, fill in the month and year of
the scientist(s) main contribution below their picture and cut out the squares. Glue each cut-out in
chronological order across the top of a piece of paper.
3. Cut out the pictures below of the experiments that lead to the discovery of DNA structure. Match the
experiment with the appropriate scientist(s) that they belong to. Glue the picture of the experiment below the
scientist(s) responsible for it.
4. Underneath each scientist(s) and their experiment, summarize their experiment and overall
contribution to our understanding of the DNA molecule. There is not much room, so be concise. Use
the textbook or website as a resource.
5. Once all six scientists have been completed, answer the questions below.
Questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
What theory did these scientists provide evidence for?
What instruments was necessary before the DNA could be found?
Which three scientists directly contributed evidence for the discovery of the role of DNA?
How did the earlier scientists and their contributions directly affect the discoveries of later scientists
(see #2)? For example, what had to come first?
5. What is the role of DNA (be specific)?
DNA History: A Timeline Activity Cut-out Sheet
Cut out the names and pictures below of the scientists involved in the discovery of DNA structure. Add the date
(month, year) to the picture. Glue each cut-out in chronological order across the top of a piece of paper.
Frederick Griffith
Oswald Avery
Alfred Hershey & Martha Chase
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Erwin Chargaff
Rosalind Franklin
James Watson & Francis Crick
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Cut out the pictures below of the experiments that lead to the discovery of DNA structure. Match the experiment with
the appropriate scientist(s) that they belong to. Glue the picture of the experiment below the scientist(s) responsible
for it.