Middle school
Biotic/ abiotic, DNA, scientific method
Download Unit Plan Overview
Download all Google Docs
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?
Looking for the answer keys for this activity bundle? Complete this form to gain the password to our Activity Keys webpage.
Students will know
- The structure and process of the scientific method
- How to extract DNA from fruit
- What is DNA
Students will understand
- Biotic and abiotic factors
- The importance of positive and negative controls during an experiment
- That DNA is found is all living things
Students will be able to
- Formulate and test a hypothesis using the scientific method
- Observe fruit DNA
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.