News

New At-Home Lab Kits to Teach COVID Testing Procedures

In a pilot project to provide hands-on experience with diagnostic tests, BABEC developed a simulation to test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This Mock COVID-19 ELISA and Rapid Test Kit provides hands-on practice for at-home learning of two techniques widely used in diagnostics and testing. ELISA, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, is a plate-based technique used to detect small molecules such as antigen, antibodies, hormones, and peptides. This method utilizes specific antibody-antigen interactions and a colorimetric reporter system for detection. An instrument, such as a spectrophotometer, is used to quantify the substance of interest. In this test kit, we will use a smart-phone app for detection.

The rapid test, also known as the paper strip test or point of care test (POC) test, is similar to the widely used pregnancy test. This method also utilizes specific antibody-antigen interactions for detection. However, since an internal control is included, the results are quick and most tests do not need special technical knowledge to perform. 

This kit is currently piloted at local community colleges. BABEC is developing an in-class COVID-19 Testing Lesson and Lab in 2021.

Note: This kit is for educational use only. It cannot detect COVID-19 infections or antibodies.

Amanda Cherry
Paradise Valley HS
Phoenix, AZ

The curriculum materials are beautifully prepared and easy to understand-thanks for preparing such great resources that are easy to use.

Byron Gougoumis
Burton HS
San Francisco, CA

All Babec labs are well organised and modelled effectively with clear, helpful procedural instructions, easily transposed to the classroom.

Gianne Souza
Lincoln HS
San Francisco, CA

The online resources are SO well done! The best I have ever had. Very little modification to make them clear and easy to follow. I have done two BABEC lessons and they are so well made that they made teaching online fun again.

Heather Johnson
Burlingame HS
Burlingame, CA

When doing the BABEC labs I consistently hear students say they feel like "real scientists."

Marianne Gudmundsson
Glenbrook South HS
Glenview, IL

Well organized and scaffolded; flexible structure and can be used partially or as a whole. This unit can be used as is...superbly written and thought out...incorporates many skills and allows student collaboration and student choice/voice.

Rocky Ng
South San Francisco HS
South San Francisco, CA

Thank you for creating these curriculum materials. I am beyond grateful for the quality lessons, on-the-point figures/videos, and easy-to-navigate biotechnology curriculum.

Thi Ngo
Capuchino HS
San Bruno, CA

The level of support really made the whole process easier and encouraged me to continue incorporating biotech into my curriculum. Thank you for the live assistance during the labs and for responding to inquiries so promptly and with such urgency.

Anonymous Teacher

Really well thought out curricula. Great to see "old" activities that have been re-imagined with lots of consideration to NGSS.

Anonymous Teacher

This was the best educational workshop I have had the honor of attending, and I am so thankful.

Anonymous Teacher

Wonderfully executed. Strengthened my skills. Thank you!!

Anonymous Teacher

BABEC has such a strong positive impact on teachers and students - thank you for your amazing work!