Biodiversity Lab Set-up

Wow. The state estimates 4 hours to set up this lab the first time. This is my first time. The state is about right. I don't know if I will be able to get the plant specimens, I may have to copy some pictures from the web and show them on the projector, discuss the characteristics as a class. There's still some hope that I may be able to get out this weekend and collect some samples, but that's tricky in NYC - where does one legally go looking for plant specimens? Not in the public parks, and where else is there? So if I can get upstate this weekend, then I'll have some.

The lab:

Examine chemical, morphological, and genetic characteristics of 4 different imaginary plants, and propose a cladogram to represent their evolutionary relationships (phylogeny). Everything is "simulated" in this lab. We use real plant specimens, but a fake names. We use real seeds, but not the seeds of the actual plants we are using. Chemically, there is simulated plant extract which will be examined by chromatography and a test for the presence of a specific enzyme (again, simulated - the extract is a mixture of food colorings and either water or vinegar, the enzyme test is really an acid test w/ baking soda). Morphologically, students compare leaf structure and seed characteristics. Genetically, the students are given a segment of DNA code to figure out its amino acid sequence, and they also do a simulated gel electrophoresis using strips of paper with a genetic sequence, which are cut into fragments of various lengths. Students shade in a chart that simulates a stained gel pattern in electrophoresis.

Here's a nice graphic interactive simulation of gel electrophoresis, suitable for kids.

Tonight is "prom" night - combined with the mini heat wave we are having in the city, this whole week has been an epic battle for student attention. I won't even be able to do this lab till Monday. Today and tomorrow are pretty much wasted days, and next week only gets a little better with "graduation" rehearsal and graduation itself on Thursday.

UPDATE

Eureka! Grocery store herbs for plant specimens. Curley leaf parsley, flat leaf parsley, cilantro, mint. Or some other possibility that my students might not immediately recognize. Thyme. Oregano. Marjoram. Sage. Depends on what's available. Should all dry nicely and I get to cook with the leftovers.