8th-12th Learning Experiences/Lab Options

**These labs are each 4 hours in length**

LIFE SCIENCE  

• pGlo Bacterial Transformation:  Genetic engineering is the process of manipulating the genetic material of an organism — often to include the DNA from a foreign organism. In this activity, students transform bacteria by introducing a gene from the bioluminescent jellyfish Aequorea victoria. They use the same procedure for creating “designer proteins” that has led to the explosion of new health treatments, agricultural applications, and environmental solutions. Students also have the opportunity to watch a show, Kaluoka’hina, The Enchanted Reef, in the Greenbush Digital Theater which ties in the topic of bioluminescence to the real-world of science. 
  
  • Standards: 3.2.1Δ, 3.2.3Δ, 3.3.3Δ, 3.3.4Δ, 5.1.1Δ, 7.2.2

• The KS Soybean:  From Field to Tailpipe:  The students will learn that biodiesel is a renewable fuel produced from the oil of a soybean through a process called transesterfication. Transesterfication is where the soybean oil is reacted with methanol and NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide), which acts as a catalyst.  In this process esters and glycerin are formed.  The esters are known as biodiesel. Students will make biodiesel and conduct fuel quality tests. The students will discuss the environmental and economic benefits of biodiesel.  

  In this lab the students will make biodiesel using soybean oil, adding lye (sodium hydroxide) and adding methanol.  Since there is not a 100% chemical reaction, two by-products are produced during the process. Glycerin will settle to the bottom of the separatory funnel and biodiesel will be on top. Soap will settle to the bottom of the funnel when the biodiesel is washed. Making biodiesel is similar to making soap, by using oil and adding lye. 
  • Standards: 2A.3.1▲, 2B.2.2▲, 3.4.1▲, 35.2▲,  5.1.1▲, 6.3.1▲, 6.3.2▲ 1.1.3▲, 1.1.4▲  , 4.1.1▲. 4.1.2.