Challenger and Satellite Look at Genes

Representatives from the Dolan DNA Learning Center (DNALC) visited Central Boulevard, Charles Campagne, and Kramer Lane Elementary Schools to provide interactive lessons for fourth and fifth grade students enrolled in the Challenger and Satellite enrichment programs.

DNALC, which is a unit of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, conducts an assortment of workshops with Bethpage students every two years. Most recently, geneticists brought materials into the school buildings and led children in a variety of activities that left them with a greater understanding of DNA and genetics.

Utilizing compound and dissecting microscopes, as well as models and presentations, the guest geneticists taught students about the structure of a cell and how to distinguish animal cells from plant cells. Together they created Baggie Cell Models and double helixes out of dried beans, pasta and other materials. The groups also observed fruit fly mutations, and will have the opportunity to extract DNA during an upcoming visit to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories.