DNA Extraction (Classroom)

The DNA Extraction lab is an activity to facilitate learning about cells and the structures inside of them while using the scientific method to develop and test a hypothesis. All living things are made of cells. Most cells contain deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, the blueprint of all living things. During the laboratory activity, students will develop and test a hypothesis, use positive and negative controls, and determine if fruit from a plant is biotic or abiotic.

Looking for the mobile laboratory version of DNA Extraction? Click here.

Looking for the answer keys for this activity bundle? Complete this form to gain the password to our Activity Keys webpage.

Learning Objectives

Standards Alignments + Connections

Next Generation Science Standards Connections

MS-LS1-1. Conduct and investigation to provide that living things are made of cells; either one cell or many different numbers of types of cells.

MS-LS1-2. Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function.

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Connections

6.12(A): Understand that all organisms are composed of one or more cells;

6.12(E): Describe biotic and abiotic parts of an ecosystem in which organisms interact;

7.14(A): Define heredity as the passage of genetic instructions from one generation to the next generation

7.14(C): Recognize that inherited traits of individuals are governed in the genetic material found in the genes within chromosomes in the nucleus.

Louisiana Standards for Science Connections

MS-LS1-1. Conduct and investigation to provide that living things are made of cells; wither one cell or many different numbers of types of cells.

MS-LS1-2. Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function.

Unit Plan

Pre-Laboratory Engagement (30 min)

Students will read the Science Buddies article and watch the Brain Pop Jr. video (4:26) about the scientific method.
• Students will then complete the Scientific Method Quiz.
Students will read the Duckster’s article and watch the Dr. Binocs Show video (6:42) about DNA
• Students will then complete the DNA Quiz

Laboratory Exploration (30 - 40 min)

Students will watch a video introduction to the lab, “DNA Extraction: Part One“ (2:18)
Students will watch the lab video introducing the controls in “DNA Extraction: Part Two” (5:57)
• Students will complete their hypothesis and Part I, II, and III on their student worksheet

Post-Laboratory Extension (30 - 45 min)

Students will watch the video to conduct a DNA extraction at home, “DNA Extraction: Part Three” (8:17)
Students may complete the DNA extraction on their own with parental supervision or may use the result provided in the video.
• Participating students will make the Extraction buffer used in the experiment using this recipe.
• Students will complete Part IV, V, and VI on their student worksheet
• Students may be provided this video walk through (13:50) of the student handout before or after submitting their responses.