Use PCR and a Single Hair to Produce a "DNA Fingerprint"
As a former student once commented, "PCR is the sliced bread of molecular biology". Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a process that allows an investigator to amplify a portion of a single piece of DNA into over one billion copies. We have used PCR with our Introductory Biology students to generate a simple "DNA fingerprint". This exercise will outline all the steps required to generate a DNA fingerprint for each student during two lab meetings. This article covers the background information co
Using A Molecular Marker to Study Genetic Equilibrium in Drosophila melanogaster
Using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), genetic variation in a laboratory population of Drosophila is characterized. The population contains flies with two variants of a molecular marker. DNA from individual flies is amplified by PCR, generating products which are either "long" or "short" when visualized on an agarose gel. Three PCR "genotypes" (long/long, long/short, and short/short) are distinguishable and should be present in Hardy-Weinberg frequencies. The exercise requires one session for gr
What I Could Teach Darwin Using "Darwin 2000"
A laboratory to demonstrate the use of the "Darwin 2000" website to train undergraduates to use online molecular databases and analysis tools, fostering their understanding of how genes and proteins evolve.
Index to Dynamic Earth Warmups
This website, developed for the Dynamic Earth course at Winona State University, describes a long list of warm-up activities regarding several different subjects. Subjects include, minerals, igneous rocks, volcanism, weathering, sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks, geologic time, earthquakes, internal ...
014 - Bellum Helveticum - Lowe Butler Walker
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2. Catch That Train & Ride (Upper Intermediate)
Learn Italian online with LearnItalianPod! We definitely did not expect such an enthusiastic reaction for this new "Upper Intermediate Level Series" - everyone seems to be finding our "a day in the life of our Italian friend Italo" very useful and entertaining, and that's a terrific thing! Thanks everyone for all of your positive feedback; [...]
"Experimental Microbial Genetics, Fall 2008"
" In this class, students engage in independent research projects to probe various aspects of the physiology of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14, an opportunistic pathogen isolated from the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. Students use molecular genetics to examine survival in stationary phase, antibiotic resistance, phase variation, toxin production, and secondary metabolite production. Projects aim to discover the molecular basis for these processes using both classical and cutting
Cell Animation
Medical animator David Bolinsky presents 3 minutes of stunning animation that show the bustling life inside a cell. Bolinsky describes how he uses animation to help people see the beauty in the biological sciences. He worked on a project with Harvard to show molecular and cellular biology in a way that makes it easy for students to understand.
Newton's Laws
For all the phenomena of The Mechanical Universe, Isaac Newton laid down the laws. A refinement on Galileo's law of inertia, Newton's first law states that every body remains at rest or continues in uniform motion unless an unbalanced force acts on it. His second law, the most profound statement in classical mechanics, relates the causes to the changes of motion in eve
How to Make a Water Rocket
A step-by-step guide that shows how to make a water rocket. They can be made in about ten minutes, but only under close supervision. A good way to explain action-reaction.
Stick Fight
Kalarippayattu is an ancient martial art originating near the state of
Kerala in southern India. It incorporates strikes, kicks, grappling,
choreographed martial arts sequences, and weaponry. Here, see two young initiates hone their skills with long flexible sticks in a complex and dynamic series of leaps and rhythmic strikes.
The Science of Scent
What's the science behind a sublime perfume? With charm and precision, biophysicist Luca Turin explains the molecular makeup -- and the art -- of a scent. Luca exposes the audience to a fragrance that's been split up into parts and explains that there are over 400 molecules from the frangrance floating through the air. This video could also be used for an advanced lesson in chemistry. The video is somewhat advanced, but intriguing. Run time 15:56.
What is Gravity?
This was a Featured Video on YouTube. Although invisible, gravity is a complex force of nature that has an immeasurable impact on our everyday lives. Gravity and its variation in space are fundamental for every dynamic process on Earth's surface and in its interior. Improving our knowledge of how gravity affects these processes has practical benefits in today's changing world.
Obesity, Diabetes, and Energy Metabolism - Research Channel
National Institutes of Health program reviews current information on obesity and related complications. This is a video of a lecture presented by Dr. Marc Reitman, chief of the molecular biology and gene regulation section of the National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney disease. A little dry, but detailed information is presented. 45:31 min.
Chemical Reaction Egg Shell Demonstration
Join Nanna as she demonstrated how vinegar can create a chemical reaction that will dissolve the shell of a raw egg. She uses two glasses, vinegar, water, and two raw eggs to complete her experiment and explains how the acidic acid in the vinegar reacts with the egg shell. The Kids Know It movies bring your student on a fun and interactive journey through the world around us. Run time 06:47
Stoichiometry Example, Problem 1
This video offers instruction from Sal Khan on figuring grams of reactants and product produced from reaction of phosphorous and chlorine. Mr. Khan uses computer software for demonstration.
Empirical and Molecular Formulas from Stoichiometry
Empirical and Molecular Formulas from Stoichiometry
This video offers instruction from Sal Khan. This is another stoichiometry example. Mr. Khan uses computer software for demonstration. The screen is a little 'busy' so the viewer may want to open the screen to 'full screen' to see all more clearly.
How to Make Sidewalk Chalk
The video gives step by step directions on how to make sidewalk chalk using plaster of paris, water, and powdered tempera paint. The instructor also explains the science behind the craft. Most kids think of solids turning to liquids and liquids to solids because of a temperature change. In this experiment, a chemical reaction causes the mixture to change from a liquid to a solid. As the chemical reaction occurs it also gives off heat which is called an exothermic reaction. This instructor
Introduction to Reaction Mechanisms
In this video, Sal Khan offers an introduction to reaction Mechanisms. Mr. Khan uses the Paint Program (with different colors) to illustrate his points. Sal Khan is the recipient of the 2009 Microsoft Tech Award in Education. Please open the screen to 'full view' to see the small writing on a black screen.
Molecular and Empirical Forumlas from Percent Composition
The instructor discusses a word problem concerning Molecular and Emperical Forumlas from Percent Composition. This is Example 2.9 from the Kotz Chemistry book. Mr. Khan uses computer software for demonstration. The screen is a little 'busy' so the viewer may want to open the screen to 'full screen' to see all more clearly. (10:34)
