Information for teachers about the Discovering DNA hands on class for secondary Stage 5 students, including booking details.
Description
Discovering DNA is a ‘hands on’ program appropriate for stage 5 students. Students will perform 2 experiments, an extraction of DNA from peas and a gel electrophoresis experiment. The program addresses syllabus outcomes 5.3 (applications of science), 5.5 (current issues and developments) and 5.8 (Watson-Crick model of DNA).
EXTRACTION OF DNA FROM PEAS
The purpose of the DNA extraction is simply to show students that DNA is present in cells. After extraction and separation steps using a centrifuge, students will precipitate and spool strands of DNA. Students will be provided with pictorial lab notes on the day. A brief discussion on where DNA is found in cells, its role in cell development and the Watson-Crick model of DNA is also covered.
GEL ELECTROPHORESIS EXPERIMENT
The purpose of this experiment is to show students how DNA can be separated, identified and used in different applications. Time will be allocated for all students to practice using the micropipette. Selected students will be required to load the gel with DNA using a micropipette.
For Stage 5 we have chosen to do the experiment using the context of forensic science. Students will work with DNA samples from 4 suspects, which they will need to compare to a DNA sample taken from a crime scene. At the end of the session students will visualise the gel and be able to determine the guilty suspect.
Details
This program is appropriate for Stage 5 with a maximum of 30 students.
Each session lasts for 90 minutes and costs a minimum of A$8.50 per student and A$220 per session. In 2008 most sessions and bookings are GST free. The exceptions are for those programs where the cost per student is greater than A$8.96 and the minimum cost per presenter per day is A$400.
We require a room with:
- 15 tables or equivalent bench space for 30 students to sit comfortably
- 3 power points
- a sink with running water
- a microwave oven near by
- an overhead projector.
A laboratory is ideal but not essential.
Please allow for a set up time of 40 minutes and a pack up time of 60 minutes.
Bookings
Book this session by contacting CSIRO Education in NSW:
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Phone: 61 2 9490 8677
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Fax: 61 2 9490 8648
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Find out about similar CSIRO Education programs in other States.
