Classroom Phagehunting
Classroom Phagehunting is a two part experience. First, your students can process dirt samples to find a novel bacteriophage. This can be used to introduce scientific inquiry, laboratory methods, bacteriology, or virology. Second, it can be used to address genes, genomes, and the exploding field of bioinformatics. As you develop your currculum for this school year, please considering utilizing the whole program.
How to get Started
If you (a summer workshop participant) are interested in presenting phagehunting in your classroom, please send Debbie Jacobs-Sera an e-mail (djs@pitt.edu) with this checklist completed. (Most common forgotten information: Phone number (for shipping) and Number of classes. If we are visiting, a class schedule is necessary and helpful as early as possible.)
Scheduling is based on availability. A minimum of 3 weeks notice is required.
Once I have received your COMPLETED checklist, I will then send out a Material Transfer Agreement for you and your principal to sign. (Workshop participants: you may have already completed this.)
Once I check the schedule, I will confirm that we can send you materials (or set up a visit to your classroom - if you are a local school) on your requested dates. We prefer to ship on Mondays one week prior to the date you specify..
If you have received materials in the box that are to be returned (namely micropipettors), please do so promptly. Thanks!
Procedure Worksheet, Lesson Plan, and Soil Source Log
The procedure can be copied and distributed to students. The lesson plan can be used when submitting your lesson plans. The soil source log gives you an easy way to compile where the samples came from.
Assessment Paperwork
Our assessment program has done a major overhaul since April, 2008. the assessment of our program is multi-tiered. For the classroom exercise, participation in the assessment is voluntary. However, procedural guidelines must be followed. If you are interested in participating in the assessment please contact Debbie Jacobs-Sera directly (djs@pitt.edu). Once you and your adminsitrator has agreed to the terms, you will be directed to an on-line assessment site. The assessment consists of a one-part Pre-Test and two-part Post-Test. Your students' participation is greatly valued. To participate a school log-in is needed. (Will provided once agreements have been signed and returned.) Student Assessment Instructions are available here. Thank you and your students for participating. Phagehunter Assessment site.
When the Box Arrives: Classroom Activity Preparation and Implementation
Boxes are shipped with the following information: checklist (to confirm what was sent), instructions for how to unpack the box, instructions for how to set up for class, and return procedures.
There are three documents that will help when your box arrives.
1. Box Instructions - a guide to help you unpack your box and maintain the integrity of the contents.
2. A classroom set-up guide. Typicaly, a box is packed to afford you 6 lab set-ups for the activity. This guide helps you set up your room for the activity.
3. Return procedures - Only sent if applicable. We ask that you reutn materials promptly.
Classroom Phagehunting Power Point
Here is the power point for presenting Phagehunting in your classroom. there are notes embedded that will help with your presentation.
Genome Annotation
As the second part of phagheunting, your students can annotate a genome, determining its genomic features. Determining the open reading frames (ORFs) of a genome is a process that allows students to synthesize thier understnding of how DNA works. To get started you will need a genome, some tools, and directions.
Created: 2007-09-13 15:45:32
Last modified: 2009-08-06 15:08:07