Biology
DNA: Exposed! (6th & 7th)
Students will be introduced to basic molecular biology skills in this activity. Using strawberries as a starting material, students will isolate and precipitate the strawberry DNA. Students will be able to take the strawberry DNA with them!
Macroinvertebrate Identification (6th & 7th)
Students will identify a diverse array of macroinvertebrates native to the Rio Grande Valley by their morphology and will classify them following taxonomic guidelines. This activity will introduce students to entomology and taxonomy.
Serial Dilutions and Plate Streaking (8th & 9th)
When microbiologists culture bacteria or fungi, they perform serial dilutions and plate streaking to isolate colony-forming units. During this activity, students will learn these crucial microbiology skills and culture their own bacterial colonies.