Revisiting & Revitalizing the DNA Fingerprinting Lab

Familiarizing yourself with the original DNA Fingerprinting lab is crucial for understanding the evolution of this curriculum package. Reviewing the original lab provides a baseline knowledge of foundational techniques and principles used by students in the cookbook-style lab. This foundational understanding is essential for appreciating the advancements in our curriculum materials and the shift towards more authentic, research-aligned resources. 

Please click on the download link to the left and review the original document.

Welcome to the first step in updating the 'BOEC DNA Fingerprinting 2022' lab, where we embarked on transforming traditional approaches into more dynamic, inquiry-based learning experiences aligned with NGSS standards. Considering current science learning best practices, we considered the following updates to the original DNA Fingerprinting lab:

• Incorporate More Inquiry-Based Learning: Transition from guided procedures to exploratory activities where students can formulate and test their hypotheses.

• Enhance Data Interpretation Skills: Include more opportunities for students to analyze and interpret experimental data, fostering critical thinking.

• Integrate Other Science & Engineering Practices: Emphasize connections with broader scientific concepts such as systems thinking and energy transfer.

• Strengthen Connection with Real-World Applications: Include more examples or case studies that relate the lab's techniques and findings to real-world biological research and forensic science.

• Incorporate Technology and Digital Resources: Utilize digital tools for data collection, analysis, and presentation, aligning with modern scientific practices.

The DNA Fingerprinting lab was thoughtfully incorporated into the Woodchip Bioreactor curriculum to provide a practical and engaging context for biotechnology education. This integration allows students to apply DNA analysis techniques to real-world environmental research, specifically in the study of microbial communities in woodchip bioreactors. By doing so, the curriculum bridges the gap between theoretical genetics and applied environmental science, offering students a unique opportunity to understand the relevance and application of DNA fingerprinting in current scientific research. This approach not only enriches the learning experience but also highlights the interdisciplinary nature of modern scientific investigations.

This real-world application helps students understand the practical implications of DNA analysis in environmental studies, linking classroom learning to actual scientific research in a tangible and engaging way.