Highcliff Elementary’ s Cardboard Carnival
Highcliff Elementary School gifted and enrichment sixthgraders conducted the second annual Cardboard Carnival benefiting the North Hills Backpack Initiative and the sixth-grade class fund during the building’ s Celebration of Learning. Students have crafted 17 carnival-style games ranging from ring toss to miniature golf and everything in between. Each animal-themed game is built from recycled cardboard and other items and uniquely painted by its creator. Attendees had the opportunity to play all the games and win prizes, sorted and organized by students, for a small donation.
DNA Fingerprinting Lab Teaches AP Biology Students How to Compare DNA Samples
Students in Jennifer Ortiz’ s AP Biology class have been conducting a DNA fingerprinting lab as part of their molecular biology unit. DNA fingerprinting is a technique that allows the researcher to compare DNA samples. Mrs. Ortiz explains the science behind the project:
“ In this case, the students were comparing DNA taken from a crime scene with two potential suspects. To prepare the DNA, it must be cut with restrictions enzymes, which are enzymes that recognize and cut DNA at specific sequences. This creates a collection of DNA fragments of varying lengths. The DNA fingerprint is then created with a technique called gel electrophoresis. This is done by loading the the DNA samples into small wells in a gel called agarose, which is similar in consistency to jello. The agarose gel is lowered into a chamber that contains a buffer and and is hooked up to an electrical power supply. This causes the negatively charged DNA to move to the positively charged side of the gel. This movement separates the fragments by size since the small fragments are able to move much further in the gel than the larger fragments. Since all individuals have differences in their DNA sequences, each individual will also have a unique DNA fingerprint.”
In the accompanying photographs, students can be seen loading the gels with DNA using micropipettes.
orth Hills School District
NORTH HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
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