I teach 150 middle schoolers (that’s 7th and 8th graders, in my building) per semester who have chosen to take technology as an elective. My experience with them has taught me that they think they are "too cool for school" and usually have to be coerced into learning. Once their interest is piqued, they never cease to amaze me with their ability to learn. They are digital natives and can usually teach me a thing or two.
My students want their education to be relevant and mirror real-life experiences.
I want to give them the opportunity to shine. Together, we are a most excellent team.
My Project
New to my technology course load this year is a class called Inventions and Innovations: a technology class that highlights the application of science and technology.
For our first unit of study, I want to expose my scientists to the world of forensics, the fusion of applied scientific knowledge and use of technology.
We will use the Gel Loading Practice MiniLabs to learn the laboratory skills needed to perform DNA analysis. We will practice the pipetting skills needed to load our (simulated) DNA samples. After we've honed our pipetting skills, we will gather evidence from a crime scene and analyze the DNA included in the CSI Forensics MiniLabs so we can solve the mystery of who "killed Dr. Ward".
Using these materials will give my students the opportunity to learn about the unique, identifying characteristics of DNA (a standard taught in 7th-grade science), practice real-life laboratory skills, and apply critical thinking skills in a real-life situation. This project will increase student engagement in a way that a "cookbook lab" and a textbook could never do.
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