The Quest for DNA

Project Type

Field Trips

Project Subject

Biology

Project Location

Hemet, CA

Project Time Period

Ends 2 months from now on May 19.

Project Description

The objective is to teach students and allow them to use techniques used in the genetic filed to study endangered species. We do not have the equipment at the school to teach these skills to the students. The field trip is not just a tour the students will actually be given the opportunity to analyze DNA isolated from samples such as the The California Condor and determine the sex using PCR genetic methods. The Genetics Division staff will supply the materials for the study (which are not available to them at our small school). Students will also be given details on how the Wild Animal Park is able to answer questions about an individual animal’s gender, species, and paternity, as well as identify genetic variation within a population. The field trip will include a tour of the many laboratories and research spaces which are housed at the Beckman Center, including the Frozen Zoo, library and archives. The Center is a brand-new facility for the San Diego Zoo's department of Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES). In addition, the students will learn about the Center's work to conserve the world's largest lizard species, the Komodo dragons of Indonesia and the California Condor. Student Genetics Division of CRES provides students with a view of such materials as a feather from a hyacinth macaw or a fecal sample from a Sumatran rhino. This is important because we do not have the means for students to complete these studies and processes at our school. The opportunity will allow them to see and experience first hand how scientist study and protect the rare and endangered species of our world. This might be the spark that will lead them into a career in a science field. During the summer I spent three days and nights at the Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES) Institute that is housed next to the San Diego Wild Animal Park. In the three days, I learned a great deal of information about endangered species that I have brought back to my students. The one thing I cannot bring back is the materials that were in the lab so that they can experience the process. In order for teachers to bring their students to the center the teacher must first attend the training. I can tell you it was an experience I will not soon forget. Students will experience first hand how geneticists are working to protect our endangered species. During their genetic lessons the students will learn by actually using the materials and completing the procedures of an actual Polymerase Chain Reaction of DNA in the laboratory. This is an opportunity that directly correlates with the California Biology Genetic Standards, Biotechnology Standards and Ecology Standards and one that must not be passed up. They will learn how the genetics that they have been studying in a book is actually used by scientists. While in the laboratories students will learn about laboratory protocol, complete real time PCR, use pipets, centrifuge, water baths and learn about forward and reverse primers bracketing the target region (amplicon), nucleotides, and a DNA polymerase. Upon return, the students will write a reflection essay on field trip. The trip will be video taped and used precursor to show students that will go on the field trip in the future. Thank you for your time and understanding of the uniqueness that each field trip can bring to a students learning both now and in the future. Kind regards, Cheryl Miller, M.A., Biology Teacher Frank Green, Principal

0 of 1 scientist committed