James Watson and the Discovery of DNA
About:
James Watson is an American scientist best known for co-discovering the double helix structure of DNA in 1953
along with Francis Crick. This discovery relied heavily on the X-ray research of Rosalind Franklin and Maurice
Wilkins and became one of the most important breakthroughs in the history of science. Understanding Watson
helps students learn how DNA carries genetic information and how scientific teamwork, credit, and ethics all
matter in research. This worksheet explores his life, his famous discovery, and its lasting impact on biology.
What’s Included:
This worksheet features Article (5 paragraphs), True/False (16 statements), Comprehension Questions (6),
Multiple Choice (15), Word Search (15 words), Crossword (10 clues), and Odd One Out (30 words).
Target Grades:
Grades 5-8
Teacher Note:
This worksheet pairs well with lessons on genetics and cell biology since it connects a real historical discovery to
core science concepts. Consider discussing the role of Rosalind Franklin as a class discussion point about credit
and fairness in scientific research.