EVERYDAY SCIENTISTS: DNA, HEREDITY &

GENETICS

Carrie L. Schlagler

Teaching & Learning Science – SUNY Empire State CollegeMarch 18, 2012

Our Unit Goals:

Background picture from http://movies-wayneaddisoncyrus.blogspot.com/2011/03/dna-strand-of-bases.html

DNA, Heredity & Genetics

Structure dictates function

Labs/ActivitiesBuild DNA

model

Lectures/ Discussions

Double HelixCentral Dogma

Genes & Heredity(Classical Genetics)

Labs/ActivitiesFamily

Tree/PedigreeChromonoodle

Punnett Squares

Lectures/ Discussions

History of DNA

Biotechnology &Modern Genetics

Labs/ActivitiesPlasmid lab

Virtual genetics lab

Lectures/ DiscussionsTechnology

Aplplications & Ethics

Students realize that science, including genetics, is part of their everyday lives. Hence, the ‘Everyday Scientist’ theme/narrative.

Our Lab Goals:

Identify visible and less obvious similarities and

difference between groups of organisms.

Explain how DNA gives rise to physical traits.

Visualize and label parts of a plant cell.

Comprehend genetic engineering techniques.

Begin to think about how technology and

science impact society (important part of final unit project – slide#11).

http://www.google.com/imgres?start=285&um=1&hl=en&biw=943&bih=426&tbm=isch&tbnid=MbiibBJvh0oH8M:&imgrefurl=http://www.healingtalks.com/tag/gmos/&docid=4HpvXfmBaJsfPM&imgurl=http://www.healingtalks.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/California-GMO-labelling-initiative-is-filed.jpg&w=640&h=360&ei=duljT4eeCaP30gGLyPGwCA&zoom=1

Genetically Modified

(GM)?

NonGenetically Modified (nonGM)?*GM vs. nonGM NOT

stated for students*

Similarities & DifferencesPhysical Traits

• Size• Shape• Mass• Color• Smell

Pictures from MS Office ClipArt

Similarities & DifferencesCellular• Slide prep• Microscope skills• Plant biology

Genetic• Genome size• Genetic manipulation

• Mutations• Engineering/Biotechnology

• Gel Electrophoresis• DNA fragment size• Restriction enzymes

http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/03bio/background/molecular/media/gel_plate.html

http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-75603784/stock-photo-female-researcher-loads-genomic-dna-samples-for-pcr-analysis.html

Picture from MS Office Clip Art

Students Design Spreadsheet for Data Collection

Students Brainstorm Ways to Analyze their DNA Samples

DNA Samples

Proper sample handling

UncutWhere should we

expect bands?

Restriction Enzyme Digestion

Which enzymes should we use?

Heat & pH treatedHow do the different

samples react?

Gel Electrophoresis

Why do DNA pieces separate?

QUESTIONSEXPERIMENTS

FUN!!!

Sample Analysis: Physical Observations

A B

B

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/12/monsantos-gmo-corn-linked_n_420365.html

http://greenbeandelivery.com/healthytimes/foodnutrition/genetically-modified-organisms/

http://www.cosmosmagazine.com/features/online/2269/gm-crops-solution-world-food-crisis

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11368657

http://www.biotech-weblog.com/50226711/genetically_modified_soy_in_russia.php

Sample Analysis:

Retrieved on March 15, 2012 from http://www.truevisionmicroscopes.com/40x-400x-compound-monocular-biological-microscope-45-degree-angled-head/

Picture from MS Office Clip Art

CELLULAR DNA/GENETICS

Possible Class Conclusions

Ethics, Society & Science:GMO Research Project

•Literature research•Group presentation•Peer evaluation•Rubric-based assessment

Pros & Cons of

genetics

•Individual work•Argue both sides •Defend opinion•Common Core

http://www.savagechickens.com/2009/07/genetic-ethics.html

Resources for the DNA, Heredity, & Genetics Unit (PDF links)

Lab Lesson

Lab Report

Spreadsheet