Most of the research protocols we completed in the lab this summer required the cells (or DNA) have time to grow, or to interact with enzymes. During these incubation times I tried to learn as much as I could by talking with the more experinced researchers, reading, or doing research on the internet. One of the advantages of working in Dr. Bogdanove's lab has been the availability of the internet and the opportunity to search for sites related to science education.
This page contains a short list of sites that I intend to use in my classroom this coming school year. One of my goals is to identify which sites my students find most useful. I also hope to make correlations between these sites and the national science education standards.
DNA From The Beginning
This site is an animated primer on the basics of DNA, genes, and heredity." This site is a product of the Cold Spring Harbor Labs and encompasses 3 major categories; Clasical Genetics, The Molecules of Genetics, and Genetic Organization and Control.
I will use this site as a resource for students to learn about basic concepts in genetics and DNA science. Informal assessments accompany each of the concepts presented as well as an interactive animated presentation.
DNA Fingerprinting 
This site includes an animation that shows how DNA fingerprinting is accomplished and includes several cases where DNA fingerprinting is used to solve real-world problems. This site is part of the DNA Learning Center. In order to view this animation you must have Shockwave Player installed on your computer.
I inend to use this site as a dry lab and follow that up with a wet lab in which three plasmids (representing the suspects) are digested with restriction enzymes and compared to a "culprit" plasmid sample.
PCR Animation
This animation is part of the DNA Learning Center web sites. It provides and introcduction to PCR and step-by-step animated PCR cycle.
I hope to complete a PCR lab with my students this year. This animation does an excellent job of visually decpicting each step in the cycle. I am not sure that I would attempt to teach my students these details without such an animation. Thank goodness for technology!
DNA Sequencing
After students have learned the basics of PCR, they should be ready to learn how PCR cycles are related to sequencing DNA. Again this site is from the DNA Learning Center.
Tansposable Elements of DNA>
This site demonstrates the process of transposition and helps define transposons through another animation from the DNA Learning Center
DNA Microarray Animation
This site uses yeast to model how DNA chips are used to identify which genes are being actively expressed. This site can be used in conjunction to help further develop students understanding of the process of gene expression.
Human Genetic Disorders
This site was created by the Dolan DNA Learning Center at Cold Spring Harbor Labs. It provides details about the causes and the screening methods for several diseases which are directly linked to the DNA science. Additional information, such as the symptoms, rates of incidence, and treatments is also presented.
Recovering The Romanovs
This site is a forensic module which applies DNA science to a modern day mystery.
Students will be able to apply their knowledge of genetics to a specific forensics case. Students will be introduced to mitochondrial DNA, DNA sequencing, and various forensic techniques as they decide what became of Anastasia Romanov.
Cells Alive!
Students will learn about cell biology at this site.
