Genetics Learning Activities

Description:   What is genetic engineering?

Description:   Using penicillin-impregnated discs on two plates, students grow one lawn each of two common, naturally occurring pathogen bacteria.

Description:   Students use color-coded pop beads to visualize the structure of amino acid chains with this kit.

Description:   Students investigate the inheritance of the ability to taste sodium benzoate by constructing a pedigree of the ability of members of their family to taste them. Includes: 1 vial sodium benzoate, 1 vial control papers (100 papers per vial), and a family pedigree chart. *Test Paper Factoid: Taste papers can be used to demonstrate inheritance. The ability to taste PTC is a hereditary trait. 7 out of 10 people will taste it. Sodium Benzoate tastes sweet, salty, bitter or will be tasteless to different people. Thiourea tastes bitter to most but is tasteless to some!

Description:   Simulate multiple generations of Mendellian inheretance.

Description:   Use biological detergents, enzymes, and ethanol to isolate DNA from plant material.

Description:   Examine the differences between cell types in the brain based on their profiles of proteins.

Description:   The DNA Playground™ is a heating and cooling all-in-one unit with touch controls and sensors.

Description:   Hands-on simulation of CRISPR-Cas9 to target and treat Cystic Fibrosis.

Description:   Reinforce Concepts With Fun Classroom Competition.

Description:   Explore cutting edge biotechnology with this CRISPR simulation.

Description:   For centuries, humans have used selective breeding and conventional hybridization to produce desirable qualities and to increase crop yields. Today, scientists use genetic engineering to directly manipulate the DNA, quickly producing these desirable traits. In this experiment, students will use agarose gel electrophoresis to explore the molecular methods used by scientists to identify genetically modified organisms. No thermal cycler is required. Students are also encouraged to explore the controversy surrounding the use of genetically modified organisms.