Students will launch the project with a real genetic health mystery, build foundational understanding of DNA-to-protein pathways through hands-on modeling, and develop a focused investigable question with an evidence-based prediction that will guide later case study work and the final tabletop inquiry kit.

Students will refine a focused DNA-to-protein investigation plan by studying model methods, gathering background sources, designing a data collection protocol, and revising their approach through peer and teacher critique before moving into evidence collection.

Students will gather and document evidence for their DNA-to-protein case study by following their investigation plans, recording conditions and anomalies, checking data quality, and revising their evidence records before moving into analysis.

Students will analyze DNA-to-protein investigation evidence by creating visualizations, identifying patterns and anomalies, testing interpretations against their original questions, and revising case-study explanations based on peer and expert-oriented feedback before moving to final conclusions.

Students will synthesize their investigation into evidence-based conclusions, identify limits of what their data can support, revise their DNA-to-protein case study and tabletop inquiry kit through peer and expert feedback, and present a final explanation of how a DNA change alters protein structure and specialized cell function for an authentic audience.