ND RET Molecular Biology Workshop Ken Andrzejewski- Marian High School Shelly Gregory- Adams High School Louann Kensinger- Riley High School Deb Semmler- St. Joseph’s High School

Our Goal To evaluate pre-packaged science kits we might want to use in the classroom – Are they cost effective? – Are they engaging? – Do they work? – How can they be modified?

Our Strategy To work through the kits as a group To evaluate each kit To determine if it would fit into the curriculum To create modifications as needed Post findings for others to use

ND RET Molecular Biology Workshop Resource Wiki Contains science kit evaluations for 2009/2010 workshops Has a resource page for additional reference

Kit 1: Classifying Across the Kingdoms Carolina Biological Supply A $149.95

Educational Purpose Students will View live representatives from each of the 6 major kingdoms Group organisms and compare the results to a dichotomous key Learn how to utilize a classification key to group organisms

Procedure Activity 1: Students rotate around stations, make their own observations and create their own system of classification Activity 2: Students rotate around stations and use a dichotomous key to classify organisms according to modern 3- domain classification system

Evaluation This lab is very engaging- there is plenty to keep students focused. We liked that all domains were represented- including the bacterial domains. Although this lab takes a bit of time to set-up, this could easily be shared between teachers.

Kit 2: Investigating Cell Types Carolina Biological Supply $99.95

Educational Purpose Students will – develop the skills necessary to design and perform scientific investigations. – produce testable hypotheses. – differentiate between cell types. – identify function of visible cell organelles as they relate to structure. – observe interactions between cells. – examine structural differences between plant and animal cells. – investigate the effects of environmental conditions on different cell types.

Procedure Activity 1: Students are to look at the study cards and compare them to the prepared slides. They will be asked to draw what they see, looking for structures that are characteristic of each cell type. Activity 2: Students view living organisms and observe many common cell organelles. Activity 3: Students observe the organisms under a variety of environmental conditions. Activity 4: Students design and conduct an inquiry-based experiment of their own in order to view additional differences between plant and animal cells.

Evaluation We liked that this lab came with already prepared slides that corresponded with the specimens. The activity that used stained yeast to feed to the paramecium had some success and the staining helped with viewing digestion. Protoslo worked really well. We would buy the kit and cost wise the refill is worth buying.

Kit 3: Simulating Darwinian Theory Carolina Biological Supply $129.95

Educational Purpose Students will – Observe how natural selection affects a population – Learn how mutations, gene flow, genetic drift, and selective mating may change a population over time – Understand how natural selection tends to create a population more adapted for its environment

Procedure Activity 1:Students are given four different tools and a specific amount of time to capture as much prey as possible in three different habitats They capture prey for three generations, collecting data to determine which predator was best suited for each environment and which prey species was best able to elude capture, showing natural selection. Activity 2:Students create clay animals and play a dice game to model natural selection. Animals are placed on one of the two environment sheets then the dice are rolled to determine which animal is preyed upon (removed from the sheet). After three generations the group will pick an evolution card and create the change as instructed. Play continues as long as play allows.

Evaluation The ideas are good but you can probably do this for less money. But there is a benefit to having everything you need pre-packaged. Once you have it, it would be more cost effective to get replacement materials yourself. The activities are certainly engaging for first year biology students and demonstrate what they were intended to demonstrate.

Kit 4: DNA Structure and Protein Synthesis Simulation Lab Activity Ward’s Natural Science 36W1203 $81.95

Educational Purpose Students will -Construct molecular models of DNA & RNA -Understand the roles of DNA, mRNA & tRNA in the process of protein synthesis by simulating transcription and translation -Correlate mRNA codons to specific amino acids

Procedure Activity I – Making a DNA chain Activity II – mRNA and Transcription Activity III – tRNA and Translation In each part – students will follow directions to complete each phase of protein synthesis

Evaluation This was one of the better labs of its type. The directions might need to be slightly rewritten, but the parts that form the molecules are easy to work with albeit small. The molecules formed are flexible enough to twist without falling apart. There are a lot of parts to separate, so time should be taken to have the parts well-organized. Procedure should be set-up to hold students accountable for organization.

Other Activity Kits full explanations and evaluations can be found on the RET wiki Nitrogen Cycle- good but requires a lot of time Modeling Genetic Inheritance- did not impress us in the least Behaving Like Animals-anole lizard behavior lab that is good but requires a lot of time

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