Lesson 4: How do we help the American Chestnut tree

Introduction:

This lesson gives a brief overview of the biotechnology techniques that are necessary to create a transgenic organism from start to finish. It is meant as a preview of more in depth lessons on each technique. Students will create a poster which illustrates the basics of processes such as DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, and gene splicing.

Learning outcomes:

Students will be able to define biotechnology processes including linkage mapping, DNA extraction, PCR, Gel electrophoresis, genome sequencing and creation of transgenic organisms.

Curriculum alignment:

Biology Goal 3.04: Applications of biotechnology, specifically transgenic o

rganisms

Classroom time required:

50-100 minutes: 10 minutes to review information about the American Chestnut, 5 minutes to give out and explain materials, 35 minutes for in-class research. If the poster is to be completed in class, use remaining time for research and transfer of information to poster. Use remaining time in class in this case to clarify information that students found and check for understanding. Poster may be finished as a homework assignment.

Materials needed:

“How do we help the American Chestnut Tree” hand out to give to students, poster board, internet connected computers, access to printer from these computers, paper for the printer, markers.

Technology resources:

Internet connected computers, access to printer from these computers. Students may work individually or in groups if necessary dependent on available computers.

Pre-activities:

1. Make sure to have copies of the handout, poster board, and markers ready.
2. Review information about the American Chestnut tree from previous activities.
3. Ask students if they know what the term “biotechnology” means, allow time for student responses, making sure that they understand it includes various methods of using organisms to solve a problem.

Activities:

1. Give each student a copy of the “How do we help the American Chestnut Tree” hand out.
2. Have 1 student read the first paragraph for the class. Check to see if anyone has questions about this method. This should be review from previous material.
3. Have a different student read the second paragraph. Explain to students that they will be finding out information about these techniques by creating a poster. The poster is meant to give a snapshot of information and they will be learning details about these methods later.
4. Direct students to a computer to do research. Once research is finished; direct students to put their information on to the poster board for presentation. The poster can be completed at home as an assignment and brought to class the following day.

Assessment:

Posters will be graded using the chart provided on the handout page. A score of one represents a low achievement in the specified criteria, a score of 3 indicates highest achievement, while a score of 2 is average.

Modifications:

Students with learning disabilities or limited English proficiency should be paired with another student to complete this task. Be sure to be available to answer vocabulary related issues for these students so that they can put their information into a form they understand. These groups may need additional time to complete the assignment.

Alternative assessments:

Students with learning disabilities or limited English proficiency may be allowed to complete the written part of the poster on the computer to help with vocabulary, spelling and grammar. Others should hand-write their information to prevent too much exact copying from internet sources.

Supplemental info:

A few websites to direct students to for finding information:
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/ http://www.ncbiotech.org/

Critical vocabulary:

• Backcrossing: is a crossing of a hybrid organism with one of its parents.
• Linkage mapping: Determining the approximate map units away from each other that two genes are if they are located on the same chromosome
• DNA extraction: Removal of DNA from an organism so it may be used for other processes
• PCR: polymerase chain reaction, a method for making multiple copies of DNA
• Gel electrophoresis: process in which molecules (as proteins and nucleic acids) migrate through a gel and separate into bands according to size
• Genomic sequencing: Process by which the sequence of nucleotides along a strand of DNA is determined, originally used for the completion of the Human Genome Project.
• Transgenic organisms: is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using the genetic engineering techniques