Background

The 5 E’s

Student Activity

Canine Caper
  Fifi
  Gus
  Blanket
     Blood
  Electrophesis
     Gel

PCR

Doggy
Inheritance

Genome
Connection

Bibliography

Group
Projects

Participants:

• Randy Dix, Biology Teacher at North Olathe High School in Olathe, Kansas, Rdixon@mail.olathe.k12.ks.us
• Mario Godoy-Gonzalez, ESL Teacher at Royal City High School in Royal City, Washington, mgodoy@qwksilvr.com
• Kimberly Noethen, Biology Teacher at Pine Crest High School, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida,  knoethen@pinecrest.edu
• Tammy Rickard, Biology Teacher at Hoover High School, in Hoover, Alabama, trickard@hoover.k12.al.us
• Colleen Sullivan, Biology Teacher at Whitefish High School, in Whitefish, Montana, sullivanc@wfps.k12.mt.us

Rationale

Doggy DNA:  The Power of PCR is a science education program designed to investigate genetic diversity with the dog species using PCR and gel electrophoresis. The program is designed to create awareness of the power of PCR and its use in the canine genome project, including protecting dogs from disease resulting from selective breeding.  The program will extend to application of the Human Genome Project.

Program Components:

• Background and Justification
• Teaching Strategies—The 5 E’s
• Introductory Student Activity, Ascent of the Dog
• The Canine Caper—Paper PCR Simulation
• Background for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
• PCR and Gel Electrophoresis of Doggy DNA Samples (Work still in progress)
• Powerpoint Presentation of Doggy Inheritance
• Genome Connection
• Bibliography

Websites of Interest:

• Dog Genome Project—Univ. of California at Berkeley
• The FHCRC Genome Project
• Genome Sequencing Database 

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