Middle School Program

Open/download
and print a
PDF-formatted description of the

Middle School Program
(Adobe Acrobat required)

The DNALC offers a program of middle school genetics laboratory experiences, including a variety of hands-on experiments to introduce elementary and middle school students to the wonderful world of molecular biology. We provide in-school instruction and onsite field trips to our labs and museum at the DNA Learning Center. Many of these activities are also available at DNALC West in Lake Success.

Suggested for Grades 5 & 6
Baggie Cell Model Learn about the structure and function of the cell and make a cell model.
Diversity of Life Investigate taxonomy using compound microscopes
DNA Models Learn about the genetic code and make a 3-D model of the double helix.
Mutant Organisms Discuss the impact of genetic mutations and observe mutations in fruit flies and/or nematodes using stereo-microscopes.
Mendelian Inheritance Use corn as a model to investigate the laws of inheritance.
DNA Extraction (Grades 5, 6, 7) Extract DNA from harmless bacteria.

Suggested for Grades 6 & 7
Molecular Models and Bubbling Liver Observe the metabolic enzyme catalase as it reacts with hydrogen peroxide and learn about the factors that affect enzyme activity.
Enzymatic Food Production Use enzymes to make cheese and apple juice.Better Milk for CatsBuild a bioreactor to convert regular milk into lactose free milk.
Better Milk for Cats Build a bioreactor to convert regular milk into lactose-free milk.
Gene Therapy Genetically engineer "lactose intolerant" bacteria to become "lactose tolerant."
Bacteria and Antibiotics Observe the effect of antibiotics on bacteria.
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Genetically engineer bacteria to become antibiotic resistant.
Viral Infection Infect bacteria with a virus and observe the result.
Glowing Genes Genetically engineer bacteria with the GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) gene for bioluminescence.

Suggested for Grade 8
Glowing Genes Genetically engineer bacteria with the GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) gene for bioluminescence.
Protein Purification Collect and purify green fluorescent protein from glowing bacteria.
DNA Fingerprint (Grade 8 only) Use gel electrophoresis to analyze and compare amplified human DNA samples.

In-school Programs Teachers can select one, or a sequence of several of the above labs.

Reservation Details
• In-school instruction is $1,000/day (up to 5 classes).
• Reserve in-school instruction by phone:
Contact Amanda McBrien at (516) 367-5175 to make a reservation.

DNA Learning Center Field Trips Classes are also invited to visit our facility for field trips. Any of the above labs can be chosen for field trips.

Most popular field trip labs:

Glowing Genes (Grades 6, 7, 8)
DNA Extraction (Grades 5, 6, 7)

Two-hour field trip options include:

• 1 hour laboratory experience
   and
   1 hour tour of The Genes We Share, an interactive
   exhibition on the human genome
   or
   1 hour computer lab, The Mystery of Anastasia: Use forensic
   techniques to identify the remains of the Russian royal family,
   and the missing princess Anastasia Romanov.
• One two-hour laboratory experience, such as Glowing Genes
   or DNA Fingerprint.
• Two one-hour laboratory experiences such as DNA Models
   and DNA Extraction.

Extended Day Field Trips

CSI: Learning Center
Grades 6-8, $600 per class
9:30-11:30 DNA Extraction & Mystery of Anastasia
11:30-12:00 Lunch
12:00-2:00 DNA Fingerprint

Survival of the Fittest
Grades 5-8, $600 per class
9:30-11:30 Exhibit Tour & Mutant Organisms
11:30-12:00 Lunch
12:00-2:00 DNA Extraction & Dino DNA or Walking Whales (computer and hands-on)

DNA Basics
Grades 5-8, $600 per class
9:30-11:30 Exhibit Tour & DNA Extraction
11:30-12:00 Lunch
12:00-2:00 Chromosome Splats (prepare and view human chromosomes with microscopes)
&
Pedigrees and Karyotypes (hands-on)

Reservation Details
• Class size is limited to 32 students.
• For most field trips, we can accomodate two classes (64 total students) at the same time (9:30-11:30 AM or 12:00-2:00 PM).
• Wet Lab/Museum Tour field trips are $250 per class.
• Wet Lab/Computer Lab trips and two-hour lab trips are $300 per class.
• Reserve field trips by phone:
Contact Amanda McBrien at (516) 367-5175 to make a reservation.