Welcome to the Kujifunza High School Program
Here are the 20 pre-made Learning Labs that can be run with the Sova kits.
Learning Lab |
Description |
Viral Diagnostics Lab: Beating the Next Pandemic |
This lab demonstrates the power that molecular techniques bring to managing infectious disease outbreaks. In this case study, students act as healthcare providers, diagnosing four patients who have arrived at their clinics complaining of flu-like symptoms. Students will use gel electrophoresis to discern whether their patients are suffering from seasonal flu or a new and dangerous emerging virus. This exercise reinforces how molecular tools allow healthcare providers to diagnose hard-to-distinguish infections. An optional extension offers an introduction to DNA sequence analysis and its applications in epidemiology for more advanced students. |
Sickle Cell Genetics Lab: Diagnosing Baby Marie™ |
In this engaging case study, students test a fictional family for sickle cell disease. The Robinson family has two children, one of whom has had an initial test result indicating possible sickle cell disease. Students will use gel electrophoresis to test the Robinson family for the sickle cell allele and give baby Marie Robinson a definitive diagnosis. |
P51™ Introduction to Fluorescence Lab: Glow Big or Glow Home |
This lab serves as an introduction to the phenomenon of fluorescence and its applications in biotechnology. It also provides an engaging framework to develop foundational lab skills such as micropipetting and making serial dilutions, through which students create a standard curve to estimate unknown solute concentrations. Students will explore the properties of fluorescein, a commonly used indicator in biotechnology applications. By taking an inquiry-based approach, students will grow comfortable using indicator molecules to answer experimental questions. Go fluorescein glow! |
P51™ Enzyme Lab: β-Gal Glow™ |
Investigate enzyme activity and the conditions that affect it. Under optimal conditions, enzymes catalyse, or speed up the rate of, chemical reactions. In this lab, a substrate that is not fluorescent under basal conditions will fluoresce under blue light when sugar molecules are removed through hydrolysis by the enzyme beta-galactosidase. Observing how brightly the solution fluoresces over time allows students to see the reaction progress and quantify the effect of different variables on enzyme activity. This lab includes four inquiry-based investigations. Students explore the effects of pH, temperature, enzyme and substrate concentration, and competitive inhibition on enzyme reaction rate. |
P51™ @home: STEM Explorations That GLOW! |
Fluorescence is an important tool in biotechnology, but fluorescent molecules aren’t limited to the lab – they are all around us. For example, many minerals fluoresce and some organisms produce fluorescent molecules; however, we rarely observe this fluorescence because our vision isn’t suited for detecting it under normal lighting conditions. Using the handheld P51 fluorescence viewer, you can explore the world of fluorescence right from your own home. What will you discover? |
Micropipetting 101 |
Accurate and precise measurements are critical for any scientific investigation. When scientists need to measure small volumes of liquid accurately, they use a tool called a micropipette. In this lab, students will practice micropipetting with reusable supplies to get the hands-on experience they need to become micropipette experts. |
Micropipetting @home: Microliter Madness |
Whether determining the distance to a faraway star or weighing the correct dose of a drug for a test subject, accurate and precise measurements are a critical part of any scientic investigation. In your kitchen, you might make accurate and precise measurements using tools like measuring cups and measuring spoons. When scientists need to accurately measure small volumes of liquid, they use a tool called a micropipette. Prepare for your future career in the lab and become a micropipette expert by completing the included activities. |
Micropipette Art: Full STEAM Ahead! |
Micropipetting accurately and precisely is an important skill in the laboratory and key to completing more advanced protocols successfully. This kit encourages students to engage their creative side while they become micropipette experts! |
Electrophoresis Forensics Lab: Wrongfully Convicted? |
J.M. was convicted of attempted homicide and is currently serving a life sentence. J.M. has always maintained his innocence, and after years of appeals, the court has approved his request for DNA analysis of the evidence from his case. In this lab students will use gel electrophoresis to examine newly collected DNA evidence from J.M.’s case. Will the DNA evidence prove that J.M. was wrongly convicted, or will it only implicate him further? This lab demonstrates the power that DNA analysis brings to forensic investigations. An optional extension allows students to explore population genetics and the statistical analysis forensic scientists use to evaluate the strength of DNA evidence. |
Dye Electrophoresis Lab: Molecular Rainbow |
Bring a molecular rainbow to your classroom! This lab offers students an engaging introduction to the theory and practice of a fundamental biotechnology technique: gel electrophoresis. Students will run dye samples to demonstrate how gel electrophoresis can separate molecular mixtures. |
Dye Electrophoresis Lab: Microbe Hunters |
This dye electrophoresis lab offers students a close-up look at the invisible world of microbes that surrounds us. Students work as part of a team of NASA microbiologists to analyze simulated bacterial DNA from the International Space Station (ISS). Before a new crew arrives on station, students must use gel electrophoresis to determine whether a dangerous pathogen lurks before a new crew of astronauts arrives on station. Based on authentic space biotechnology, this lab serves as a fun and engaging introduction to DNA analysis and gel electrophoresis. |
Dye Electrophoresis Lab: Mendel's Peas |
This dye electrophoresis lab connects traditional Mendelian genetics with our modern understanding of DNA and inheritance. Students play the role of plant geneticists testing peas from Mendel’s notebook. Gel electrophoresis is used to analyze simulated DNA samples from Mendel’s peas to examine how genetic differences control pea shape. Mendel's Peas Dye Electrophoresis Lab features: An engaging and accessible introduction to gel electrophoresis Safe, non-toxic dyes that are directly visible without gel staining Pre-aliquoted samples and premeasured agarose tablets for easy prep Gel electrophoresis reagents included : TBE electrophoresis buffer and 8 Agarose Tabs Compatible with Bandit, blueGel, and traditional gel electrophoresis systems A low-cost jumping-off point to explore microbiology, biotechnology, and molecular identification! |
Dye Electrophoresis Lab: Cat Genetics |
This dye electrophoresis lab offers students an opportunity to link traditional Mendelian genetics with our modern understanding of genes and inheritance. Students use Punnett squares to track the inheritance of one trait in a family of cats, then use gel electrophoresis t o connect their predictions to our modern understanding of genes and DNA . This lab serves as a fun and engaging introduction to DNA analysis and gel electrophoresis. |
Dog Genetics Lab: Oodles of Labradoodles™ |
Molly the Labradoodle has surprised you with a litter of puppies! Students will use gel electrophoresis to examine the link between genotype and phenotype in Molly’s puppies. By tracking the inheritance of a single trait, students can determine the puppies’ father. This lab allows you to cover Mendelian genetics and the relationship between genotype and phenotype using an engaging and adorable case study. An extension activity allows students to practice tracking the inheritance of multiple genes that affect dog coats. |
DNA Glow Lab™: Exploring DNA Structure |
Discover the conditions that make double-stranded DNA denature into single strands, then anneal back together again. In this lab, students will use a fluorescent dye to investigate the conditions that influence DNA structure and its transition from double helix to single strand, and vice versa. Inquiry-based investigations explore how DNA sequence, concentration, and pH affect base pairing through hydrogen bonds. |
DNA Fingerprinting Lab: Shark Attack! |
Help marine biologists understand the source of shark attacks that are frightening Australian beachgoers! This guided-inquiry activity exposes students to the fundamental principles of DNA fingerprinting, which is routinely used to identify individuals based on their genetic makeup. DNA fingerprinting has a broad range of human applications, including forensics and paternity testing, but it is also an important tool in ecology. Students will determine if a single shark has attacked multiple times or if there are several different attackers. |
Conservation Genetics Lab: Discovering Lemur Diversity |
Bring your students on an expedition to Madagascar! Analyze morphological data and run electrophoresis gels to determine whether researchers have rediscovered a species of lemur once thought to be extinct. Analyze actual field data Construct phylogenetic trees from DNA sequence data Compare generalist and specialist species facing ecological change A molecular evolution and ecology lab based directly on our collaborators' published and unpublished research, his collaboration with the Duke Lemur Center was designed with the goal of bringing molecular techniques to Ecology and Evolution units. As either a quick, single-period gel running lab or a week-long mini-unit, this lab offers flexibility and high-quality curriculum. |
Chopped! Using CRISPR/Cas9 to cut DNA |
Use the CRISPR/Cas9 system in vitro to cut DNA in a tube and analyze the results with gel electrophoresis. Investigate how the Cas9 nuclease can be programmed to target virtually any DNA sequence—just by changing the guide RNA. The introduction of CRISPR/Cas into the biotechnology toolkit has revolutionized gene targeting and gene editing. In this lab, students will use the CRISPR/Cas system in vitro (in a test tube) to analyze the function of its molecular components. They will use two different guide RNAs to direct Cas9 nuclease to cut a DNA sample at two different locations and then analyze their resulting DNA fragments using gel electrophoresis. This gene targeting lab will allow students to investigate how the Cas9 nuclease can be programmed to target virtually any DNA sequence—just by changing the guide RNA. This activity will demonstrate how the CRISPR/Cas system is both programmable and specific and why it is such a powerful genome editing tool. |
BioBits®: Protein Structure and Function |
Protein gel-running extension (optional activity) Proteins are essential tools for life. But how does a simple string of amino acids fold into an intricate three-dimensional structure capable of performing a specific task, such as emitting fluorescence? Using fluorescent proteins as a model, students will explore a protein's primary, secondary and tertiary structure and relate those structures to protein function in an integrative, hands-on lab. First, students will compare different fluorescent protein sequences at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels and use that analysis to predict protein functions. Students will then express these fluorescent proteins using a simple cell-free protocol to test their functional predictions. This activity serves as an excellent interactive introduction to the basics of protein structure and function, as well as a springboard for discussing more advanced topics such as protein engineering. |
BioBits®: Central Dogma (classroom kit) |
Illuminate transcription and translation with the BioBits cell-free system in this innovative classroom-sized kit! BioBits pellets are tiny molecular factories that can create proteins without the need for cell culture. When dry, BioBits pellets are dormant, but they can be activated by simply adding water. Researchers have been using cell-free reactions in their laboratories for years, with applications ranging from novel therapeutic discovery to field diagnostics. Now the BioBits cell-free system makes this cutting-edge technology accessible to anyone interested in learning molecular biology. With minimal equipment requirements and a quick and straightforward protocol, students will use the BioBits system to visualize the flow of genetic information and monitor transcription and translation in real-time through fluorescence. This activity serves as an excellent interactive tool for learning molecular biology’s central dogma and exposes students to cutting-edge synthetic biology. |