MichianaSTEM Community Blogs

The images in this slide show were taken from the Cloning a Fluorescent Gene activity at Saint Joe High. (Who knows how that image of a larger life form got in there:) Enjoy.

1 person likes this post.

Like

Unlike

This week was the inaugural start of Geno Week in Michiana. Well, it really started last thursday at St. Joseph High School, where the NDeRC-biology collaboration began the first steps of the project. There were about thirty students split into 2 classes. The objective of the lab was to amplify a DNA green fluorescent protein (GFP) insert using polymerase chain reaction, ligate that insert to a DNA vector, and transform E. Coli cells with the vector DNA to make the cells express GFP protein. In just 7 days, these students went from being trained in using micro pipettes to analyzing their GFP bacterial plates as newly inducted molecular biologists.

Highlights of the week was not only the featured article in South Bend Tribune on Tuesday, but the real enthusiasm of the students to learn general molecular biology techniques. The teachers at St. Joe was wonderful in giving us the time and space to share this project. And, of course, with any first time experience, we had a few things to troubleshoot in the protocol, the lectures and lab manuals. Francis was great in getting the lab experiment to be successful (i.e., ligation steps, bacterial cell survival). And, it was so helpful that Aranda had a prepared powerpoint presentation to assist in the lecture. And, Pat of course was super in the transport of our supplies and the behind the scenes networking. Our team had a great launch of Geno week, and we look forward to next week at Washington High School.

For my first experience in teaching in the local schools, I thought it was alot of fun and energizing. And, it was so awesome to just witness the transformation of the students’ minds in getting a small grasp of our molecular research world. As with all the NDeRC collaborations, Geno week was just part of this revolutionary endeavor to build a better STEM community step by step.

Also, it was nice that the students applauded our efforts during class today while giving us a great thank-you card with individual messages and  a Barnes & Noble gift card.

I’m looking forward to inducting more molecular biologists in Geno week! Washington High here we come!!!

Be the first to like.

Like

Unlike

My daughter Liz sent me a link to this presentation. It’s a nice illustration of the age that’s coming…that’s here. Get your data on.

Be the first to like.

Like

Unlike