Title: Biotechnology Projects for Young Scientists

Description: This book contains experiments designed to help students explore biotechnology.  The creative activities are drawn from the areas of molecular biology; microbiology; fly, plant, and human genetics; agriculture; food science; industrial biotechnology; environmental biology; and forensics.  Some unique activities: measure the rate of mutations caused when your dentist's x-ray machine irradiates special spiderwort plants used as radiation indicator species at nuclear power plants; and isolate your own Agrobacterium tumefaciens bacterial from crown galls in you local forest and use them to transfer DNA to sunflowers.

Strengths: This is a great resource for the can-do teacher with a limited budget.  For example, you don't need an electrophoresis set-up to carry out the DNA gel experiment because the detailed instructions are provided on how to build your own gel box and power supply.  Interesting extensions are suggested at the end of each activity.  Safety is stressed throughout the book.  Detailed lists of all supplies required and where to buy specialized reagents and strains are included.

Weaknesses: Although some supporting content is included with the experiments, this book does not provide enough depth to be used as the primary source of genetics and molecular biology content for students.

Keywords: Inheritance, DNA structure, genes, chromosomes, variation, sexual reproduction, meiosis, biodiversity, evolution, biotechnology, medical genetics, human, protein

Genetics concepts addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
(view genetics concepts)

Other subjects addressed: Microbiology

last updated 6/07/00