08-09 Laboratory Activities

Activity

Summary

The Biodiesel Lab

A laboratory activity where students explore clean renewable energy sources and the connection between laboratory science and the environment. The investigation focuses on an acid-base titration, one of the first steps in the production of biodiesel. Students will be challenged to explore the economical impact of using biodiesel.
Level: Intermediate
Time: 60 - 70 minutes
Handout: for student

Case of the Broken Beaker

A DNA restriction analysis laboratory activity where students explore the connection between laboratory science and crime scene investigation; students put their laboratory skills to work for the local crime lab investigating a mystery through simulated DNA profiling using restriction enzymes and agarose gel electrophoresis.
Level: Intermediate
Time: 70 - 90 minutes
Handout: pre-lab; for student; for instructor

Crucial Concentration

Students explore the connection between laboratory science and marketing. Using the Lowry Assay, students will determine which company’s sports drink actually has the highest concentration of protein.
Level: Intermediate
Time: 70 - 90 minutes
Handout: for student

Fruits of Life

Students explore components of cells while using the scientific method to extract and visualize DNA
Level: Basic
Time: 45 minutes
Handout: for student

Looking into Lactase

Students explore enzymes and the connection of laboratory science and medical diseases through an investigation into lactose intolerance and its symptoms. Using the lactase enzyme to break down lactose in milk samples students will investigate the effects of pH and temperature on enzyme activity.
Level: Intermediate
Time: 70 - 90 minutes
Handout: for student (45-min class); for student (90-min class)
                 for instructor

Mystery of the Crooked Cell

Students explore the molecular basis of a disease through an investigation of sickle cell anemia. Students use gel electrophoresis to distinguish between normal and sickle cell hemoglobin protein.
Level: Basic/Intermediate
Time: 50 - 70 minutes
Handout: for student; for instructor

Natural Products

Students investigate antibacterial agents using bioluminescent bacteria and the scientific method to test different plant types.
Level: Basic
Time: 45 - 50 minutes
Handout: for student; for instructor

No Trace Left Behind

Students explore chemical reactions and the connecttion between laboratory science and crime scene investigation through simulated presumptive tests for blood hermoglobin protein.
Level: Basic
Time: 45 - 60 minutes
Handout: for student; for instructor

Oil Spill Remediation Lab

Students examine the effects of an oil spill on the environment and compare ways to clean up water contaminated with oil using detergent and oil eating microbes.
Level: Basic
Time: 45 minutes
Handout: for student; for instructor

SARS In the City

Using the immunosorbent assay ELISA, students test for and track SARS through a population
Level: Basic
Time: 45 - 50 minutes
Handout: for student

Transformation Lab

Students investigate basic principles of genetic engineering by transforming E. coli cells with plasmids containing pFluoresence and ampicillin resistance genes.
Level: Advanced
Time: 90 minutes (must be in one continuous class)
Optional:: Overnight incubation with 45 minutes additional class time on second day
Handout: for student; for instructor

Wildlife Forensics - Basic

Students work as forensic scientists and use molecular techniques to analyze DNA using PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis.
Level: Basic/Intermediate
Time: 50 – 70 minutes
Handout: for student; for instructor

Wildlife Forensics - Advanced

Students work as forensic scientists and use molecular techniques to analyze DNA using PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis.
Level: Advanced
Time: 90 minutes (requires overnight incubation; minimum 45 minutes each day)