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Share thisSummer Biology Lab Camp
Written by Rachel Graham, biology lab coordinator, instructor of biology
This summer, another great group of high school students gathered for a week of biology lab learning and fun. Eighteen students enjoyed using compound light and dissecting microscopes to examine prepared slides and slides they made of plant, animal and protists. We used chromatography techniques to separate the photosynthetic pigments found in different plants and the pigments found in the eyes of normal and mutant Drosophila. Using a kit, we inserted the green fluorescent protein gene (GFP) from jellyfish into E. coli to make them glow when in the presence of the sugar arabinose which turns on the promoter for the pGLO plasmid. We looked at our own genetic characteristics including PTC paper tasting ability and blood type. Students were able to dissect multiple organisms - an invertebrate, a vertebrate and a cow or sheep organ. On the final day we waded into the drainage pond to test water quality through chemical testing and macroinvertebrate sampling. It is always a pleasure to work with such motivated students and we look forward to having the next camp in the new building in 2016!
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