South Carolina DNA Learning Center
The purpose of the South Carolina DNA Learning Center is providing modern genetics and biotechnology outreach education to students in grades 5-12, teachers and the public.
Student Field Trips
The SCDNALC has two state-of-the-art laboratory classrooms, a computer classroom and a lunchroom that can be used to provide one-day visits for your students.
NOTE: Labs are scheduled to run between 9:30 am and 1:30 pm. Click the purple links for a description of each lab.
Fifth Grade
- E-1 Fruit Fly Mutation - observe how genetic mutations effect phenotype
- E-2 See DNA - extract DNA from common organisms - strawberry, wheat germ, bacteria
Middle Schools - Grades 6, 7, 8
- M-1 Bacteria and Antibiotics - investigate the role antibiotics play in disease treatment
- M-2 Bacterial Transformation - become a genetic engineer and create glowing bacteria
- M-3 DNA Fingerprinting - analyze DNA restriction fingerprints and how they are used to solve crimes.
- M-4 The Mystery of the Romanovs (computer lab; limited to 24 students) - use forensic and DNA evidence to find out what happened to the Romanovs
High Schools - Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
- H-1 Restriction Analysis of DNA
- H-2 Bacterial Engineering - create genetically modified organisms using GFP
- H-3 Your DNA Fingerprint - create a DNA fingerprint of yourself using D1S80 loci and PCR. Note: Requires 4 weeks notice time before your visit. Due to the nature of this activity, Parental Consent Form is due prior to your visit.
- H-4 mtDNA - The Other Genome - sequence a portion of your mitochondrial DNA. Note: Requires 4 weeks notice time before your visit. Due to the nature of this activity, Parental Consent Form is due prior to your visit. Limited to 24 students. Advanced (AP/IB) classes.
- H-5 Gene Sleuthing (computer lab; limited to 24 students) - use genetic databases to discover genes.
