Karen Cunningham from Atlantic Corridor with students at Clonown National School during the Mesa Biotech Workshop
American scientists have been showing students from nine national schools in the Midlands how to make special necklaces containing their own DNA.
The fun science activity was part of an event hosted by the Atlantic Corridor organisation.
It hosted 12 biotechnology lecturers and students from Arizona last week and they visited nine national schools in the Midlands to promote applied science teaching in schools.
The students were shown how to extract DNA from their saliva using simple tools and their DNA was then put into mini test-tubes and attached to a necklace to bring home as souvenirs.
They were also shown how to make DNA bracelets with all of the beads and tools required.
Field trips
Xan Simonson from Mesa Biotech Academy with the President of Tullamore Chamber of Commerce, Cllr Tony McCormack, and Jackie Gorman of Atlantic Corridor
The Arizona crew also brought over a mini “Discover Garden” for the students.
They collected moss and other organisms from field trips to Lough Boora. The students then replanted them into little pots and were shown how to nurture the specimens.
The group from the States was led by scientist Xan Simonson (see picture), who is currently developing a national model to train teachers and help them implement genomic research techniques in the US.
She is also bringing biomedical and genomics research into high-school classrooms in her home State of Arizona.
Atlantic Corridor
Atlantic Corridor helps organisations and individuals in the Midlands to “leapfrog” development by using its networks of global and cross-border links.
Jackie Gorman, CEO of Atlantic Corridor, said: “These workshops proved invaluable for both teachers and students alike which will add immense value to their delivery of the primary school science curriculum.”
Learn more
Visit the Atlantic Corridor website
