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.

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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.

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