Date

Biology Institute

Lesson Study

Saturday

7-6-03

Today was a Very Busy Day.

We transformed plasmids with 16S rDNA from aquatic bacteria samples

Sunday

 7-7-03

Rest, Eat, Type

Monday

7-8-03

Today we evaluated plates for the presence of clones containing the 16s rDNA inserts. 

       Mike, Julie, and Dennis Picked over 180 colonies that were white on the amp + agar indicating that the LacZ gene was disabled (other wise the gene would reduce a sugar and the colonies would be blue) and conducted PCR II reactions. 

       Patti and Sally conducted a repeat transformation for estuary samples.  In addition we ran 5 gels of 24 wells each of the PCR II products.  We were fairly pleased with the results and the data indicated about a 40% transformation rate.  Mike Lemke, our mentor was also pleased with the results.  More tomorrow.  We worked in the lab until about 10.00 p.m.

·        The Pickin Protocol (see Methods)

·        One of our best gels.  Note the bands in lanes 73-76, 78-80, 83, 86, 89, 93 and 94.  These bands indicate (+) plasmid inserts.

Tuesday

7-9-03

• More gels and good results for the estuary and bay.  Our transformation % is about 35% which Mike Lemke tells us is really quite good!
• Waiting for more PCR time to evaluate the rest of the bay samples

Evening lecture by Mike Lemke.  Mike’s presentation was AWESOME!!! 

Introduction to the Lesson Study Template.

We met as a group to evaluate the characteristics of the students we will be teaching.  We decided on the skills we would want  our “graduates” to have and evaluate where they are

Wednesday 7-10-03

• Gel Cleaning and preparing for sequencing reactions. 
• Gene Cleaning Protocol (see Methods)
• PCR

Lesson Study—We met and decided on a goal for our research lesson plan.  We are interested in developing an idea that will immerse students in a problem solving process and tie into classification and modern genomic applications to the tree of life. 

Thursday

7-11-03

• This morning we screened more gels for inserts.  We ended up with 109 clones to evaluate and began gene cleaning and sequencing.
• Left at 12:45 for the seminars at Princeton

Friday

7-12-03

• Getting ready for the sequencer!

Worked on Lesson Study Plans

Saturday

7-13-03

Work, Work, Work

Work on manipulatives, and DNA sequences for Lesson Study.  Determine specific questions and prompts for LS