Curricula
Strawberry DNA Extraction
In this lab activity, DNA is extracted from strawberries which allows students to see the DNA they isolate. DNA extraction is a fundamental procedure used in many types of experiments. This introductory lesson helps prepare students for more advanced labs that may call for DNA extraction. Strawberries are used because they are accessible and very easy to squish and break down, as they contain cellulase and pectinase. Students also may wish to repeat this experiment with samples of interest, such as different fruit.
In the online version of this lesson, students have the opportunity to perform the lab using common household items and/or watch a video of a student performing the lab and analyze various images of results.
Learning Objectives
- Explain how to extract DNA from living organisms and the scientific reasoning for using the materials involved.
- Practice reading and following a basic lab protocol.
Prior Knowledge
- Observe plant cells under microscope and identify the cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus
- The nucleus is surrounded by the nuclear membrane (envelope), which contains DNA molecules
- DNA molecules code for proteins which carry out most of the work of cells
- Review role of organelles in eukaryotic organisms
Lesson Resources
BABEC Lesson Resources are created and intended for use in Google Suite:
1. Download the resource as Microsoft Word or Powerpoint
2. Upload to your Google Drive
3. Open the resource as a Google Doc or Slides
4. Customize to fit your class
Please check out all the videos we have for this lab here
Lab Resources
The Lab Resources below are designed to ensure a straightforward, smooth lab experience in your classroom, and include a Student Protocol, Inventory Guide, and Preparing the Classroom for the Lab document.
Supplemental Resources
Online Resources
The Lesson Resources* below provide a digital-only substitute for our hands-on lab. They include the same rich learning experience as the traditional lab, with the addition of videos of a student performing the lab and sample results for students to analyze.
Disciplinary Core Ideas:
LS1.A – Structure and Function “All cells contain genetic information in the form of DNA molecules”
Science and Engineering Practices:
Constructing Explanations
Crosscutting Concepts:
Scale, Proportion and Quantity