Gene Transfer and Genetic Engineering - Middle School

Today, genes are “transferred” to create human insulin for diabetics and plants that are resistant to pests. In this session, students are introduced to the history of genetic transformation and how gene transfer technology continues to develop. Students then get hands-on experience transferring a gene that can make bacteria glow.

Program Cost

$225

Contact Information

For more information about this program, contact:

Menzel Smith-Jones
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Bldg.400C – P.O. Box 5000
Upton, NY 11973-5000
631-344-4495 (phone)
631-344-7098 (fax)
slc@bnl.gov

Objectives: The students will transform bacteria by adding new DNA (genes) into the cell; genetically change bacterium to express a trait that we require; understand why we would want to take a trait from one organism and express it in a different organism; learn about plasmids and antibiotic resistance; learn to use micropipettes and measure volumes in microliters; understand what a control experiment is and why we need to have a control; understand the need for sterile techniques in the laboratory; and understand how genetic engineering benefits science and society.

Audience for This Program

Grades 6th, 7th, and 8th