Laboratory Investigations: 2.5 Hour Field Trip Programs

	DNA: Hand-me-down Genes By examining a case study on a family with an inherited bone disorder, students will learn about the role that DNA and genes play in producing traits. Students analyze pedigrees and samples of “patient DNA” in order to gain an understanding of dominant and recessive genes, to learn about techniques that scientists use to examine DNA, and to practice using methods of predicting the probability that a trait will appear in future generations. Laboratory techniques include: DNA extraction Gel electrophoresis Learning Objectives & NYS Science Standards \| Glossary of Terms \|
	LSLC Outbreak! Infectious disease is the number one cause of death world-wide. What is it, and how does it spread? Students will take on the role of epidemiologists and answer these questions as they track down the mysterious source of a mock epidemic. They will investigate disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention. They will also perform a hands-on experiment to learn about antibiotic resistance. Laboratory techniques include: Graphing and analysis of data generated from epidemic modelAntibiotic sensitivity testing Determination of efficiency of washing for microbial removal Learning Objectives & NYS Science Standards \| Glossary of Terms \|
	Bugs on Drugs How do you test the effects of drugs on an organism? Students will conduct their own experiments by studying the effects of nicotine, alcohol, epinephrine, and caffeine on heart rate in Daphnia (water fleas). Genetic influences of drugs’ effects are also explored using a fruit fly mutant that lacks an enzyme for digesting alcohol. Laboratory techniques include: Determine pulse rates in Daphnia (water fleas) Manipulate fruit flies in a controlled experiment Learning Objectives & NYS Science Standards \| Glossary of Terms \|
	LSLC Crime Scene Investigation Students will play the role of CSI detectives as they investigate evidence from a mock crime. Hands-on activities will pull together a variety of laboratory standards including use of a compound light microscope and determining density. Students will also cover basic information about DNA as they use DNA Fingerprinting to solve the crime. Laboratory techniques include: Use a compound light microscope and prepare wet mount slidesDetermine the density of materials by water displacement Gel electrophoresis Learning Objectives & NYS Science Standards \| Glossary of Terms \|
	Environmental Explorations Students will investigate what pH is and how it affects water quality and viability of aquatic organisms. They will also learn how the pH of bodies of water can change due to human intervention. Laboratory techniques include: Determination of pH Testing the effect of pH on Daphnia Learning Objectives & NYS Science Standards \| Glossary of Terms \|

	DNA: Hand-me-down Genes By examining a case study on a family with an inherited bone disorder, students will learn about the role that DNA and genes play in producing traits. Students analyze pedigrees and samples of “patient DNA” in order to gain an understanding of dominant and recessive genes, to learn about techniques that scientists use to examine DNA, and to practice using methods of predicting the probability that a trait will appear in future generations. Laboratory techniques include: DNA extraction Gel electrophoresis Learning Objectives & NYS Science Standards \| Glossary of Terms \|
	LSLC Outbreak! Infectious disease is the number one cause of death world-wide. What is it, and how does it spread? Students will take on the role of epidemiologists and answer these questions as they track down the mysterious source of a mock epidemic. They will investigate disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention. They will also perform a hands-on experiment to learn about antibiotic resistance. Laboratory techniques include: Graphing and analysis of data generated from epidemic modelAntibiotic sensitivity testing Determination of efficiency of washing for microbial removal Learning Objectives & NYS Science Standards \| Glossary of Terms \|
	Bugs on Drugs How do you test the effects of drugs on an organism? Students will conduct their own experiments by studying the effects of nicotine, alcohol, epinephrine, and caffeine on heart rate in Daphnia (water fleas). Genetic influences of drugs’ effects are also explored using a fruit fly mutant that lacks an enzyme for digesting alcohol. Laboratory techniques include: Determine pulse rates in Daphnia (water fleas) Manipulate fruit flies in a controlled experiment Learning Objectives & NYS Science Standards \| Glossary of Terms \|
	LSLC Crime Scene Investigation Students will play the role of CSI detectives as they investigate evidence from a mock crime. Hands-on activities will pull together a variety of laboratory standards including use of a compound light microscope and determining density. Students will also cover basic information about DNA as they use DNA Fingerprinting to solve the crime. Laboratory techniques include: Use a compound light microscope and prepare wet mount slidesDetermine the density of materials by water displacement Gel electrophoresis Learning Objectives & NYS Science Standards \| Glossary of Terms \|
	Environmental Explorations Students will investigate what pH is and how it affects water quality and viability of aquatic organisms. They will also learn how the pH of bodies of water can change due to human intervention. Laboratory techniques include: Determination of pH Testing the effect of pH on Daphnia Learning Objectives & NYS Science Standards \| Glossary of Terms \|