Resources for Teachers
As an ongoing part of an NSF funded research program, my lab has initiated a high school outreach program in the state of Minnesota.
My lab’s research program focuses on using the microscopic nematode, C. elegans, as a model system to understand the basic molecular mechanisms that control axon and synapse development. C. elegans is an ideal organism for in-class, high school level experiments because it is: 1) non-pathogenic, 2) easy to cultivate and maintain, 3) inexpensive to work with, 4) ideally suited to highlight some of the basic principles in neuroscience and genetics.
Below are a series of experiments that I’ve designed as a resource for high school teachers. The experiments are simple, involve hands on use of C. elegans, and are suitable for grades 9-12 AP biology classes. The experiments focus on teaching students the power of using a small, simple animal like C. elegans to understand how the nervous system works. The lessons also harness student’s natural sense of curiosity, and encourage the development of independent thinking skills and hands on experience with the scientific method. These experiments are a valuable, cost effective, and easy way to greatly enrich your high school biology class.
The first set of experiments, “Understanding the UNCs!”, has been used by a group of high school teachers in the state of Minnesota, and I have actively demonstrated this lesson at Thomas Edison High School in Minneapolis. I’m happy to visit other high schools to help implement this program. Also feel free to contact me if you require more information or guidance on implementing this program in your own classroom.
The other two sets of experiments, “Worms can smell better than you!” and “Worms can feel touch!”, remain excellent options for more advanced in-class experiments.
Exercise 1: Understanding the Uncs!
Requirements:
a) worm pick (glass pasteur pipet, small platinum wire)
b) media plates with E. coli (worm food)
c) dissecting microscope
d) C. elegans: N2 (wild-type), mild unc (unc-42(e270)), strong unc (unc-51(e369)) all of these worm strains are available from the C. elegans Genetics Center or from the Grill lab
Goals:
1) learn to identify mutants with different types of impaired movement
2) learn what a neuron is and the difference between the human brain and the worm brain
3) understand what a gene is, what mutation of a single gene can do to an animal’s movement and hence its neurons.
Sample itinerary:
1) arrive and set up (Dr. Grill and/or Teacher) 12:30-1 pm
2) introduction and talk about worms 1-1:30 pm
3) students introduced to microscope 1:30-1:45 pm
4) students analyze three types of worms 1:45 to 2:15pm - students take notes, make observations (approximately 5-10 minutes for each student individually on a microscope assuming groups of 3-5 students)
5) student discussion about their observations 2:15-2:30pm
6) final question and answer session (with Dr. Grill and/or Teacher) 2:30-3pm
Exercise 2: Worms can smell better than you!
Requirements:
a) worm pick (glass pasteur pipet, small platinum wire)
b) media plates with E. coli (worm food)
c) dissecting microscope
d) repellents: 10% Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Solution (SDS), garlic, glycerol attractants: sugar, butter, NaCl
e) N2 worms and mutant that doesn’t sense odors properly (ord-3(n2150) or grk-2 (rt97) worms)
Goals:
1) learn to identify substances that are attractive and repellent to worms
2) learn to identify mutant worms that do not chemotax
3) understand what a neuron is, what a gene is, and what mutation of a single gene can do to an animals ability to sense its chemical environment
Exercise 3: Worms can feel touch!
Requirements:
a) worm pick (glass pasteur pipet, small platinum wire)
b) media plates with E. coli (worm food)
c) dissecting microscope
d) several strains of C. elegans: N2 (wild-type), touch insensitive mutant (mec-4(e1611))
Goals:
1) learn to touch C. elegans on its head or tail to trigger movement away from point of touch.
2) learn what a neuron is, and difference between human brain and worm brain
3) learn that neurons in C. elegans sense touch
4) understand what a gene is, what mutation of a single gene can do to animal’s sense of touch.
If any of these experiments are of interest to you, feel free to contact Dr. Brock Grill for further details on experimental design, or to arrange a visit by Dr. Grill to your local school to give a seminar and help initiate these experiments.