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ScienceThe Human BodyAges 12–14

DNA & Genes

Describe the double helix structure of DNA (base pairs, complementarity), explain how genes are sections of DNA that code for proteins, introduce the central dogma (DNA → mRNA → protein) conceptually, and discuss the ethical implications of CRISPR gene editing — including potential benefits (genetic disease treatment) and concerns (germline editing, 'designer babies')

Lesson

Set out your lesson

“DNA & Genes means practising the idea at the table with a simple hands-on check. We will demo once, then your child tries.”

Bring to the table

  • A simple body outline printout or drawing
  • Pencil and labels
Extra for the adult

Worked example. The brain sends signals so muscles know when to move.

Optional challenge. For DNA & Genes, add one harder example after success.

What to notice. Keep one parent note: examples tried; results; support used. This session samples DNA & Genes, not mastery.

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1 approach

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DNA & Genes means practising the idea at the table with a simple hands-on check. We will demo once, then your child tries.

Materials: A simple body outline printout or drawing; Pencil and labels. 1. Say the goal of DNA & Genes in plain words once. 2. Adult points to one organ or system and names its job in plain words. 3. Child labels three parts and says the job of each. 4. Fresh check: one fresh organ/system job. Record and stop. Done: three correct labels with a job sentence each. Proof: parent note of examples and results. Stop: End after the fresh check; keep optional challenge for another day.

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Gakuva activity

DNA & Genes practice

Practice key ideas from DNA & Genes.

Free · no login · no ads · Practice answers and completion are not saved. Parent observation remains the lesson record.

Learning resources

Extra practice links — they do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.

KidsHealth · Practice link — not the full lesson

Bones, Muscles & Joints

Open practice (new tab)
Before you open · source notes

Bones, Muscles & Joints supports DNA & Genes. An adult previews and guides; this is a learning page, not a scored quiz.

Free educational page, no sign-in required for the tested path.

Before you open

Ask the learner one fact they learned and one question they still have.

Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.

Source, access and review notes

Public KidsHealth page. An anonymous GET on 2026-11-12 returned HTTP 200 with no login or payment prompt for this URL. Opening the link does not save practice or assess mastery. An adult should preview and guide the learner.

KidsHealth. “Bones, Muscles & Joints.” External page; Gakuva does not copy, host, embed, or redistribute materials.

Unknown — link only

Check understanding

  • Describes DNA as a double helix with four bases (A, T, C, G) where A pairs with T and C pairs with G
  • Explains that a gene is a section of DNA that codes for a specific protein, and that proteins carry out most of the body's functions
  • Describes CRISPR as a molecular tool that can cut and edit DNA sequences, and raises at least two distinct ethical considerations about its use in humans
“If your child heard that scientists have edited a human gene to prevent a hereditary disease, could they explain what DNA actually is, how genes work, and why some people think editing human DNA raises serious ethical questions?”

Curriculum record

Type
Conceptual
Subject
Science
Domain
The Human Body
Age range
Ages 12–14