Crucial Concentration Training Workshop
This module introduces students to the use of micropipettes for measuring small volumes of liquid. Students perform colorimetric assays with spectrophotometers to determine the actual amount of protein in drinks. Math skills are involved in analyzing the data, including graphing and determining linear relationships between variables.
Most suitable for middle school students.
Mystery of the Crooked Cell Training Workshop
This module allows students to explore the molecular basis of sickle cell anemia. Acting as medical technologists, they are asked to determine what might be causing a collection of symptoms in an imaginary patient. Students will develop their micropipetting skills, and use protein gel electrophoresis as a diagnostic tool to differentiate sickle cell hemoglobin from normal hemoglobin. Pre-lab and post-lab activities help students explore the nature of this hereditary disease.
Most suitable for middle school students.
Lab Larceny Training Workshop
This module allows students to perform DNA fingerprinting on samples isolated from “blood” found on site at the Forensics Institute of Bridgewater (FIB). Students will use techniques that are based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and involve agarose gel electrophoresis to resolve the DNA fingerprints. This activity also introduces students to micropipettes.
Most suitable for high school students.
Whale of a Mystery Training Workshop
In this week-long module, students are hired as a Junior Scientist for the Bridgewater Animal Forensics Institute (BAFL). On the first day of training, an important case arrives, requiring the students to determine if tissue samples sent from a field agent are those of illegally hunted, endangered whale species. During his activity, students will use investigative laboratory techniques, including protein extraction, quantification and gel electrophoresis, to solve a mystery related to the hunting of endangered Cetacean species. Additionally, they will learn about the natural history of these amazing creatures and the results of these studies can be used to develop a presentation.
Most suitable for middle school students.