BRCA Gene Mutations

Uses 30 real variants from the BRCA Exchange to have students classify mutations by type (silent, missense, nonsense, frameshift, splice site), connect each to its protein effect, and analyze patterns between mutation type and clinical classification — culminating in a CER argument.

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Subject Area Biology
Grade Band 9-10
Technology Tool CODAP
Class Time Estimate 2
Data Science Focus
  • 9-10.C.3.3a Consider variability as a key component of informal inference by questioning whether observed differences are meaningful or not. e.g., phone battery lasts 6 hours one day and 4 the next—is this a real difference in battery life, or just normal variation from daily use
  • 9-10.C.3.3b Identify categorical options for measuring "best" fit from data points to provided estimates. e.g., line or curve for a scatterplot, mean for a distribution
  • 9-10.C.3.3c Consider both context and the characteristics/source of a dataset to determine how "messy" a dataset may be due to measurement error. e.g., faulty sensors, inaccurate or inappropriate measurements
  • 9-10.C.3.3d Use errors to improve the AI and/or machine learning model.
Standards Alignment
  • HS-LS1-1
  • HS-LS3-1
  • HS-LS3-2
Prerequisites The four DNA bases and base-pairing; transcription/translation basics (implied by mutation-to-protein focus).
Version 1.0
Date Created July 7, 2026
Last Updated July 7, 2026