Can science put an end to the poaching of endangered species? Show your young forensic experts how biotechnology can help save wildlife through an exciting electrophoresis lab. Grouped pupils analyze shark DNA to determine if it came from a threatened great white shark.

Concepts

dna, dna sequence, endangered species, gel electrophoresis, making observations, making inferences, data analysis, buffers, forensics

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Use the extension materials to expose learners to different applications of biotechnology in endangered species intervention
• Although lab groups will not be creating samples using the PCR technique, show a video of how the process works

Classroom Considerations

• Take a moment to brush up on the PCR method of DNA amplification to help you convey the process to the class

Pros

• The lesson plan contains several opportunities for assessment, including collaboration and creation of a scientific argument
• Pre-lab activities give the class an opportunity for a dry run in creating and interpreting a gel plate

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.1 RST.9-10.3 RST.9-10.4 RST.9-10.7 RST.11-12.1 RST.11-12.3 RST.11-12.4 RST.11-12.7