Biotechnology
Biotechnology is likely the most disruptive innovation you will experience. If I had the ability to fight viruses, cure genetic defects and protect my body and mind it would be most important to me. This is also an area I know the least amount so I will work to find mentors and or guides to help answer questions that I cannot.
Codebreaker by Walter Isaacson
To get a good idea of the process involved to pursue scientific discovery in biotechnology I highly recommend reading about Nobel 2020 prize winner Jennifer Doudna by Walter Isaacson
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Any scientist working in biotechnology will likely face ethical issues Human nature is generally good but it may be corrupted to create something harmful to the human race.
This book was published in 1818 and the older language is somewhat difficult to read. It's message remains relevant
Disease Detection
Before you study genes you need to know how diseases spread.
Students will simulate the outbreak of a viral disease in the classroom starting with one individual that is infected. They will analyze the classroom data, to determine the original carrier of the virus and examine how transmitted diseases spread in a population. [50 minutes]
[Student Guide] [Teacher Guide] [Materials Guide]
This material is sourced from The Biotech Project from The University of Arizona
Gregor Mendel
Gregor Mendel is known as "The Father of Genetics" for his discovering the fundamental laws of inheritance. What does that mean? He discovered that genes come in pairs and are inherited as distinct units, one from each parent. Mendel tracked the segregation of parental genes and their appearance in the offspring as dominant or recessive traits.
Genes
The gene is considered the basic unit of inheritance. Genes are passed from parents to offspring and contain the information needed to specify physical and biological traits. Most genes code for specific proteins, or segments of proteins, which have differing functions within the body. Humans have approximately 20,000 protein-coding genes.
The above definition is from the National Human Genome Research Institute. Learn more about genes here.
Here are some experiments developed for middle school student by the University of Arizona BioTech Project:
Cootie Genetics: In this activity students will simulate the work of Gregor Mendel to investigate how traits are inherited. Students mate "Cootie" organisms with different true breeding traits and explore trait behaviors (dominant, recessive) and trait probabilities- while having fun! This lesson should be introduced before genetic terminology, DNA and/or Punnett Squares. [Three to four 50 minute class periods]
BioTech Project
Here are some experiments developed for middle school student by the University of Arizona BioTech Project:
Kiwi DNA Extraction: How do you purify DNA from cells? Students extract DNA from kiwifruit to learn about the chemical and physical properties of DNA. This activity provides a first-hand understanding of how DNA can be isolated for further analysis, such as DNA fingerprinting. Students also reinforce their understanding of cell structure and biological macromolecules. We use a kiwifruit protocol because it uses commonplace materials and requires little equipment. [45 minutes]
[Student Guide] [Teacher Guide] [Materials Guide]
Suggested Courses
All courses are Khan Academy advanced placement (AP) classes which will prepare you for AP classes in high school. The beauty of AP classes is twofold. First, You take more difficult courses which better prepare you for college and also provide the ability to increase you grade point average above 4.00. Second,, if you have a grade of B or higher you get college credit for these courses.