DNA Extraction

Created Feb. 7, 2024 by Sara Turnbull

Title:  DNA Extraction

Overview:  Working with a team, students will follow a procedure to extract their own DNA, take pictures of each step with a cell phone, complete a lab report and organize photos into a simple Google slides presentation to be shared with the class.

Content/Context:  Science/GED Prep

Length of lesson:  2 hours

Digital Literacy Standards addressed:

Review:  Basic Computer Skills

New:  Using Email; Microsoft Powerpoint (Google Slides)

College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS) and/or Transitions Integration Framework (TIF) Standards addressed:

CCRS: RI.6.7: Integrate information presented in different media or formats to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.

TIF: EC1: Engage positively and actively with individuals in both one-on-one and team settings to accomplish goals.

Lesson Objective(s): At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:  show the sequence of steps in DNA extraction in a written lab report and through photos taken during the experiment and ordered into a slideshow.

 

Assessing Mastery of the Objective(s):  At the end of this lesson, students will show mastery of the objectives as evidenced by ... following the steps for DNA extraction; completing a lab report; taking pictures of each step of the procedure and ordering them in the proper sequence with Google slides to share with the class.

Materials/links:

Lesson Outline:

Introduction:  

This simple experiment will give students the opportunity to work with a partner(s) as they follow a procedure to extract their own DNA.  They will record the steps in written and digital forms using an experiment report template, cell phone camera and Google Slides.

Explanation/Modeling:

Students will watch the Pbs Nova video and record the purpose and procedure on the experiment report.  Teams will determine who will be doing the DNA extraction and who will be the photographer.  Following the experiment, photos will be ordered into Google Slides and text added for each photo.

Guided Practice:  

Students will practice taking a few photos of the materials to be used in the experiment with their cell phone camera and sending the photos to their gmail account.  Using the Smartboard, the teacher will show how to add the photos to Google drive and organize in a folder.  The teacher will access Google Slides and show how to create a slide by inserting photo and text.

Independent Practice:  The Experiment

Team members will proceed with the DNA extraction, picture-taking and slideshow creation. 

Student Reflection on Learning, Closure, Connection:

Students will record results of the experiment and conclusions on the experiment report.

Teams can share their slideshows with the class.

Teacher Notes:

Vocabulary:  extraction; lysis; precipitate

PBS video can be watched as a class or by teams on the laptops with time to record the steps of the procedure.

Teams of three works well with one person to read the steps of the procedure, one to perform the procedure and one to take photos.  Later, other team members can be given the opportunity to extract their own DNA if they would like.

Discuss:  What is the purpose of each of the 3 major steps in the procedure? (pre-)

              1- gargling in salt water to release cells from the inside-cheek

              2- adding detergent to break cell membranes and release DNA (lysis)

              3- adding alcohol to precipitate DNA, i.e. to bring out of solution

                 What were possible sources of error for the experiment?  (post-)

     Why was food coloring added? ... To make the DNA easier to see

     Describe what the DNA looks like.

For a more formal lab procedure with water bath, basic DNA info and excellent review questions, check out the free download:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/DNA-Extraction-Lab-110229

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