High School Explorations
DNA Science for High Schoolers
Length: 3 hours
Cost: $375
Grades: 8-12
For the advanced gel electrophoresis portion there are several different labs available depending on your interests (all of these labs utilize the E-gel system):
Crime Scene Investigation
We will discuss original fingerprinting methods and the technique commonly used today and made popular by “CSI” and similar shows. The students will have the opportunity to perform gel electrophoresis using DNA samples simulating a crime scene. Students will analyze their results and compare banding patterns to determine the guilty party. This activity is also available as a “Harry Potter” storyline.
Modes of Inheritance
Students receive a 24-member family tree and DNA samples presumably taken from each family member. They determine the genotype of each of the relatives by cutting the DNA samples with a restriction enzyme and separating the fragments by gel electrophoresis. Please note there is an additional $50 cost associated with this lab.
Outbreak!
Students become virus hunters as they interpret DNA fingerprints to identify the viral strain responsible for a potentially deadly fictitious disease outbreak (uses harmless predigested DNA).
DNA Restriction Enzyme Analysis and Bacterial Transformation (AP Biology Investigations 8 & 9)
Length: 6 hours
Cost: $375 for DNA Restriction Enzyme Analysis, $325 for Bacterial Transformation
Grades: AP Biology or Advanced students, Grades 10-12
Includes:
- Pipetting by Design
- Restriction Digest and Analysis of Lambda DNA
- Advanced Gel Electrophoresis
- pGLO Bacterial Transformation
This exploration is designed in-line with the AP Biology Investigations 8 & 9. The restriction digestion or bacterial transformation can also be scheduled separately. Restriction enzymes are used by bacteria to cut DNA at specific nucleotide sequences. In the laboratory, these enzymes are often used as molecular scissors for genetic engineering. In this lab, students use three restriction enzymes (EcoRI, HindIII, and PstI) to cut DNA. Students then use agarose gel electrophoresis to separate the DNA fragments by size and analyze the DNA pattern on the gel. Bacteria can be genetically modified by transformation, a process whereby cells take up foreign DNA. In this laboratory, students induce bacteria to take up DNA-containing genes that give the bacteria two new characteristics: resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin and the ability to fluoresce green. Back in their classroom, students will verify the presence of these traits and determine their transformation efficiency.
This Exploration is available to advanced students in upper grades. Each laboratory includes 8 work stations with a maximum of 32 students. The DNA restriction enzyme and bacterial transformation laboratories can be completed on the same day. This exploration uses the E-Gel system. Students have the opportunity to visit the Reitz Union and UF Bookstore/Welcome Center for lunch.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Length: 6-7 hours
- Part 1 - 2 hours
- Part 2 - 3.5 hours or overnight for thermal cycler to run
- Part 3 - 1 hour
Cost: $425
Grades: Advanced students, Grades 10-12
Includes:
- Pipetting by Design
- PCR (there are several options available, please see below)
- Advanced Gel Electrophoresis
Human DNA Fingerprinting
Students use real–world forensic techniques to extract DNA from their hair follicles or cheek cells, and then use PCR amplification and electrophoresis to fingerprint their own DNA at a specific genetic locus (chromosome 16). Using their own results, students can also test the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium theory within their classroom population, then go online to compare their classroom results to genetic data of populations worldwide.
GMO Investigation
Current regulations in the US do not require that genetically modified foods be labeled as such. Using common grocery store items, students test samples of their favorite foods for the presence of modified genes.
Crime Scene Investigator PCR
Using PCR, students will amplify short tandem repeats in DNA samples and determine which suspect matches the DNA found at the crime scene.
Custom
Contact us to develop a custom PCR lab to identify a gene of interest within an organism of your choice.
The Pompe Predicament (short and extended versions)
Length: 3-5 hours
Cost: $325-$375
Grades: 9-12
May include:
- DNA Structure to Function Science Take-Out Kit
- GAA colorimetric assay
Pompe disease affords the rare opportunity for students to consider multiple biological concepts and assemble them into a story. Instead of DNA taught separate from protein structure and function, these areas as well as enzymes, genetics and human disease are all taught together through the story of Pompe disease.
Middle School Explorations
DNA Science for Middle Schoolers
Length: 3 hours
Cost: $375
Grades: 6-8
Deoxyribonucleic acid is as much fun to say as it is to work with. To enhance their learning of the structure of DNA, students will construct candy DNA models that are a tasty treat for the ride back home! Students will also extract DNA from plant cells so they can visualize genetic material.