Highcliff Elementary ’ s Cardboard Carnival
Highcliff Elementary School gifted and enrichment sixthgraders conducted the second annual Cardboard Carnival benefiting the North Hills Backpack Initiative and the sixth-grade class fund during the building ’ s Celebration of Learning . Students have crafted 17 carnival-style games ranging from ring toss to miniature golf and everything in between . Each animal-themed game is built from recycled cardboard and other items and uniquely painted by its creator . Attendees had the opportunity to play all the games and win prizes , sorted and organized by students , for a small donation .
DNA Fingerprinting Lab Teaches AP Biology Students How to Compare DNA Samples
Students in Jennifer Ortiz ’ s AP Biology class have been conducting a DNA fingerprinting lab as part of their molecular biology unit . DNA fingerprinting is a technique that allows the researcher to compare DNA samples . Mrs . Ortiz explains the science behind the project :
“ In this case , the students were comparing DNA taken from a crime scene with two potential suspects . To prepare the DNA , it must be cut with restrictions enzymes , which are enzymes that recognize and cut DNA at specific sequences . This creates a collection of DNA fragments of varying lengths . The DNA fingerprint is then created with a technique called gel electrophoresis . This is done by loading the the DNA samples into small wells in a gel called agarose , which is similar in consistency to jello . The agarose gel is lowered into a chamber that contains a buffer and and is hooked up to an electrical power supply . This causes the negatively charged DNA to move to the positively charged side of the gel . This movement separates the fragments by size since the small fragments are able to move much further in the gel than the larger fragments . Since all individuals have differences in their DNA sequences , each individual will also have a unique DNA fingerprint .”
In the accompanying photographs , students can be seen loading the gels with DNA using micropipettes .
orth Hills School District
NORTH HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
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