Biotechie And Biology

Introduction to Biotechnology

Did you know that the structure of shark skin has been copied to make surgical tools 97% resistant to microbial colonization? Or that scientists are beginning to consider DNA as a new storage medium, now that bioengineers and geneticists have successfully stored 700 terabytes of data in a single gram of DNA? Ever wondered if you could make a living, glow-in-the-dark cat? Biotechnology is the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products. It has yielded amazing breakthroughs and examples can be found all around us in every-day life.

Through interactive, hands-on activities, students will explore basic genetic techniques and concepts used in biotechnology breakthroughs such as making insulin from e. coli bacteria and saving the life of a boy suffering from a rare genetic disorder that prevented the layers of his skin from connecting, causing multiple open sores and infection. Concepts and activities include: DNA extraction, restriction enzymes and plasmids used for “gene splicing”, and gel electrophoresis (used in DNA “fingerprinting”). Classroom visit by industry professional talking about her/his work. (Health Sciences Sequence)

Introduction to Cell Biology

Ever wondered what makes a fruit ripen or why your food tastes better with salt?  Using an interdisciplinary approach, and interactive, hands-on activities, students will learn about basics structures and functions of cells, cell theory, defining characteristics of living organisms, and unicellular organisms. (Health Sciences Sequence)