Tuesday, December 17, 2024 
8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.  

DNA Learning Center at Passaic County Biotechnology Innovation Center
Wayne, NJ

Experience how the Oxford Nanopore MinION can be used to sequence DNA at school! This hand-held device can generate up to 50 billion bases of DNA sequence in less than 72 hours, and its portability, price and accuracy make it a great choice for use in the classroom.

In this workshop, you will learn how to lead your students in the use of the MinION device through the sequencing of DNA barcodes generated through PCR. Starting with PCR products, you will perform PCR cleanup, prepare a library of DNA barcodes using Oxford Nanopore's Rapid Barcoding Kit, and run the MinION sequencer. After sequencing, you will use the brand-new DNA Subway 2.0 platform to perform bioinformatics and identify your DNA barcodes. While we will use this technology for DNA barcoding, this technology has applications for metabarcoding, genomics, metagenomics, and more!

Please bring a laptop to participate in the bioinformatics steps.

The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center is an approved Sponsor of Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE).

Election Day–Tuesday, November 5, 2024 
9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.  
DNA Learning Center NYC at City Tech 
Brooklyn, NY

This professional development workshop will focus on the genetic components of forensic science. We will explore two of the key forensic DNA analysis techniques that paved the way for modern forensics and the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).

DNA Fingerprinting

Human DNA is more alike than different, so how do we find the differences? Restriction enzymes are proteins that recognize specific DNA sequences and can be used to determine whether a particular DNA sequence is present. In this lab, DNA from “evidence” and “suspects” will be compared using restriction enzyme digestion and agarose gel electrophoresis. DNA analysis will then be combined with crime scene data to draw conclusions about each suspect. This is a recreation of the first forensic DNA technique, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis.

Forensic DNA Profiling

This lab examines a highly variable tandem repeat polymorphism on chromosome 1 called D1S80, similar to what the FBI uses to create a genetic profile. Participants will prepare a sample of their own DNA from cells obtained by a cheek swab. After amplification by PCR, the participants will identify their genotype with a DNA chip, as well as the traditional agarose gel electrophoresis. Participation in this lab requires a signed consent form to analyze participant DNA.

All teachers are welcome to join this course to learn about different elements of our genome and how DNA can be used for identification. There will be direct classroom applications for teachers of forensics and life science. Guided by an experienced DNALC Educator, training will focus on lab skills and conceptual connections.

There is no charge to attend. Participants will have a one-hour break for lunch at 11:30 am. Teachers who complete this training will be eligible to rent a footlocker kit from the DNA Learning Center to teach these labs in their classroom.

The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center is an approved Sponsor of Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE).

Election Day–Tuesday, November 5, 2024
8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.  
Regeneron DNA Learning Center 
Sleepy Hollow, NY

DNA Restriction Analysis

The DNA Restriction Analysis lab demonstrates that DNA can be precisely manipulated and that it behaves as predicted by the Watson-Crick structure. You will use restriction enzymes, the scissors of molecular biologists, to cut bacteriophage lambda DNA. The resulting DNA fragments will then be analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Through comparison of DNA digest patterns and restriction maps, you will be able to identify a “mystery” enzyme. We will also discuss how pre-cut DNA can be used to adapt the lab for a forensics investigation.

Bacterial Transformation

Bacterial transformation illustrates the direct link between an organism's genetic complement (genotype) and its observable characteristics (phenotype), and demonstrates how genetic engineering is used to produce human proteins such as insulin. In this lab you will introduce genes for antibiotic resistance and fluorescence into the bacterium E. coli. Following overnight incubation, transformed bacteria can be compared to control bacteria for their ability to grow in the presence of ampicillin and glow when exposed to UV light.

These experiments directly correlate with lab requirements for Living Environment and AP Biology courses, and align with the New York State Science Learning Standards, with an emphasis on analyzing and interpreting data, planning and carrying out investigations and the structure and function relationship. Guided by an experienced DNALC educator, training will focus on lab skills and conceptual connections.

The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center is an approved Sponsor of Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE).