Biotechnology

Department of Biology

P.O. Box 4010

Atlanta, GA 30302-4010

Tel: 404-413-5421

biobus@gsu.edu

The Biotechnology Module

Grade Level: Advanced/Honors 6^th – 8^th
Where Taught: Laboratory
# Students: Up to 30, plus one observer
Time needed for presentation: 50 – 90 minutes

Georgia Performance Standards (GPS)
Biotechnology Enrichment Activities

This module covers the basics of how a single piece of DNA can make us different in so many ways.

Purpose:

To introduce students to the principles of molecular genetics that form the foundation of modern biotechnology
To make students aware of the implications of biotechnology in their own lives
To expose students to career opportunities in the field of biotechnology

Bio-Bus Fellows will use models of DNA to illustrate genetic information storage, replication and transmission. Students will learn about inheritable genetic traits using the class as a sample population. They will use the tools of the biotechnologist for DNA extraction; they can also do blood typing, if desired. The Fellows will discuss the applications of biotechnology in daily life. Real-life problems that can be solved by biotechnology will be illustrated, as well as career opportunities for biotechnologists. Finally, we discuss some of the hot-topic issues of biotechnology including cloning, xenotransplantation, and genetically-modified foods.

In a 90-minute time period, students can have hand-on experience of some current procedures used in biotechnology.

The Bio-Bus Group

· About the Bio-Bus Program

· Team Members - F.A.Q.’s

· Teachers Workshops

· Press Clips - Contact Us

Teaching Modules

· Animal Diversity

· Bio-Bus Sampler

· Biotechnology

· Biotechnology: Forensics

· Chemistry: Acids, Bases, & Indicators