I use the idea of Purple People Eaters throughout the year for multiple units. I can use the song for fun and it gives me so many options for traits. I started out using the Snorks DNA lab and changed it up to keep with my theme of Purple People Eaters. I really like this activity because it is basically self-checking. If they mess up the sequence, they usually won’t get the code for either trait. The only thing I have to remind them of is the difference in abbreviation for some of the amino acids, like isoleucine.
For years, I used this paper version and it worked well. Each student got an answer sheet to fill in and then a different set of instructions for the different people eaters. The original lab had all of them on the same page, but that was a struggle for some of my students. To access the files, click the link below to download.
I have the keys available on my TPT store. I also have 2 more sets of DNA for a total of 4 different People Eaters, a sheet with the DNA already filled in for any students that might need that, instructions in a digital presentation format to save paper, and editable Google Docs.
Please do not post answer keys. This allows fellow teachers to use these resources knowing the key isn’t online and it allows me to keep using my resources that I share with others.