This is one of my favorite labs/activities that I do with my Biology I students. It doesn't take long to do, it uses very simple, household materials, and it works every time! There is no number crunching or data analysis, but just a fun activity that your students will really enjoy.
You will use ordinary Dawn dishwashing detergent and alcohol to extract the DNA from the cells of wheat germ. The download will include a lab handout that is ready to be copied and passed out to your students. Includes: Title, Introduction, Purpose, Safety Precautions, Procedure, and Follow Up Questions.
I have also included a "Teacher Preparation" page with answers to the questions and some additional set up information.
I use this with my high school Biology students, but this activity can easily be done with middle school students.
This is an interesting, thorough and stimulating lab. I am happy to give my Botany homeschool live online class families the link to this lab. Thank you for sharing this freely! Natureglo
Dear Science Stuff, I am sure your students really enjoy this lab investigation! Your “Biology Lab: Simple DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) Extraction" was the featured “Free Product of the Day†on “The Best of Teachers Pay Teachers.â€
Wishing you the best,
Victoria Leon
http://thebestofteacherspayteachers.blogspot.com/2011/07/free-science-lesson-biology-lab-simple.html
I used this lab when teaching HS Biology--it was excellent, the students grasped it easily. I then followed it with a BioRad DNA kit using cheek cells and having done the DNA extraction lab first--the students were able to grasp the concepts easily and took away a better understanding of DNA extraction and genetics. Thank you!
June 25, 2011
joyfulbird
Students will enjoy doing this. Simple to set up, serves it's purpose well. Thanks!
January 18, 2011
jim5000000
The directions are very clear, and the results of the experiment worked perfectly for all students. Glad lab activity.
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