Protein synthesis is a vital component of life. Proteins are created by combining different amino acids together. Our genes, specifically DNA and RNA, create proteins through a genetic code. The DNA holds the code, which then is transcribed into the messenger RNA (mRNA). This code can be deciphered by looking at triplets of nucleotides or trinucleotides. We can identify the amino acid end product by looking at the different combinations of the letters U, C, A, and G. A handy tool to see what these trinucleotide combinations create amino acids is a codon chart.

In this frisbee game, the students will play inside a codon chart to make as many amino acids as possible within class time. This lesson can be used to teach frisbee throwing skills, and it is a fun variation of the theme of frisbee golf. However, in these frisbee golf games, the students will act as messenger mRNA creating the amino acids and improving their knowledge of protein synthesis and genetics.

Materials: 

·      A large gymnasium or a large play space outside

·      Hula hoops (three blue, three red, three yellow, and three green)

·      Hula Hoop foam holders (that match the colors of the hoops if possible)

·      Frisbees

·      At least 75 cones or rubber disc dots

o   You will need to double the materials needed for every extra course if you have more than one.

Minimum Number of Students Needed: This game could have as few as one students, but more work well. Once you have more than eight within a class, it may be worth having two courses and splitting the students among them. However, you will need lots of supplies to pull it off, and the playing area must also be huge.

Age: Middle School