
One, 60-minute class period Students will extract DNA from strawberries.
Students will analyze the similarities and differences of their extraction process to those of the web-based educational module, Genetic Engineering: The Journey of a Gene.
Students will apply their understanding about how genetic testing (including DNA extraction) to develop new insights about breeding new varieties of strawberries DNA is the hereditary material in humans and nearly every other organism. This lesson introduces a very theoretical and abstract subject of nuclear genetics and allows students to actually see DNA from a food crop that many enjoy, strawberries. This lab-based experience not only allows students to complete the DNA extraction within a period, but also to compare/contrast their methods to that of an actual DNA analyst scientist. High school students should understand that DNA is present in cells of living organisms and contains the instructions necessary for growth and function by coding for proteins. This lesson will expand students’ knowledge of DNA by having students extract DNA from a familiar food. Students will begin to discuss how traits of an organism are determined by their DNA. Strawberries are a tasty and nutritious agricultural crop grown in every state in the U.S. The U.S. produces 30 percent of strawberries grown globally. In order to produce new varieties of strawberries with attractive traits for both growers and consumers, plant breeders are using genetic information to make better breeding decisions. Genetic information about strawberries is becoming more widely available as the strawberry genome was sequenced in 2010.Estimated Time
Student Learning Targets
Key STEM Ideas
Students' Prior Knowledge
Connections to FEWSS
Curriculum Connections
Next Generation Science Standards
Common Core Standards