Bio-Bus Sampler
| Grade Level: | PreK-8 |
| Where Taught: | On the Bio-Bus |
| # Students: | No more than 15 people (children and adults, including babies in back-backs). |
| Time needed for presentation: | 20-30 minutes per group for demonstration only, up to 45 minutes if hands-on activities are included. |
| Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) | |
This module is a combination of the Animal Diversity, Biotechnology, Microbes and You, and States of Matter modules. Bio-Bus Fellows either demonstrate the modules or allow guests to perform some of the more basic, yet exciting, Bio-Bus experiments. We usually divide the guests on the bus into four groups, which rotate betweenthe stations. The Bio-Bus Sampler module is very flexible, and can be adjusted to fit a variety of schedules and educational needs.
Animal Diversity We present a “Show and Tell” of samples of animals which move from the simplest to the most complex of living organisms: coral and sponges to insects and mammals. We discuss the animals’ life, habitat, and defense mechanisms. We share our own stories, and enjoy hearing those from our audience. (Many children in Georgia have been stung by a jellyfish!)
Biotechnology and Forensics We show guests our DNA model, and introduce them to the technique scientists use to test for differences in our DNA by gel electrophoresis. We briefly describe DNA and how it relates to the production of proteins and the building blocks of life. We can discuss some of the hot-topic issues of biotechnology, including cloning, xenotransplantation, and genetically-modified foods.
Microbes and You We demonstrate the mechanism of the spread of contact-based illness using a product called Glo-Germ®. This experiment will be reinforced by describing a few of the diseases that can be transmitted by contact. Also, guests will be able to experience fermentation first hand using yeast and balloons.
States of Matter We demonstrate the effects of extremely low temperatures on different materials, usually by dipping bananas and flowers into liquid nitrogen. We also work with “slime”, “oobleck”, and polymers to demonstrate different states of matter.
