Field Trips at HudsonAlpha in Dothan
Explore genetics concepts and biotechnology careers with your class at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Dothan, Alabama. Our hands-on, laboratory-based field trips put high-tech biotechnology tools in your students’ hands and engage them in scientific thinking. Please refer to the sections below for a description of our experiences. Boxed lunches include a sandwich or wrap, chips, a cookie, and a bottle of water.
The HudsonAlpha teaching lab at the Wiregrass Innovation Center in Dothan has space for a maximum of 32 students per field trip. Costs are determined based on the length of time scheduled, not per student. There is a minimum of 10 participants required to schedule a field trip.
Note: if you are looking for field trip opportunities in our Huntsville, Alabama location, please visit www.hudsonalpha.org/fieldtrips.
Investigating the Genetics of Cancer (5 hours)
In this lab-based experience, students will examine the genetic roots of cancer, compare hereditary and non-hereditary cancers,and use the HNPCC kit to trace a cancer-related mutation through a family. Students will use a family medical history to create a pedigree and select likely candidates for genetic testing. Using gel electrophoresis, students will identify family members carrying the cancer‐linked mutation. Throughout the day, students will discuss ethical challenges related to genetic testing. This experience includes lunch (at an additional $12.50/person) and either a talk from a HudsonAlpha scientist (when available) or a tour.
Shoots and Roots (5 hours)
In this mixed lab and modeling experience, students will investigate local plants and explore the properties that allow plants to thrive in the sunshine. Students will extract pigments from a variety of plant tissues, perform chromatography and UV analysis on their samples, and form hypotheses about why tissues produce different levels of pigments. Next, students will model up- and down-regulation of transcription to simulate how gene expression is controlled in different cell types. This experience includes lunch (at an additional $12.50 per person) and a tour of HudsonAlpha.
The following experiences can be combined – limit 2
All in the Family – Or Is It? (2.5 hours)
In this lab-based experience, students will examine the role of inherited mutations and environmental factors using the HNPCC kit. In the lab, students will use a family medical history to create a pedigree and select likely candidates for genetic testing. Using gel electrophoresis, students will identify family members carrying a cancer-linked mutation. Throughout the day, students will discuss ethical challenges related to genetic testing
Cytogeneticist for a Day (1.5 hours)
In this experience, students will take on the role of a cytogeneticist, examining patient samples for chromosomal anomalies. Students will learn how karyotypes are produced and work through one of 15 patient case studies, using HudsonAlpha’s Disorder Detectives kit to create a karyotype. Along the way, HudsonAlpha instructors will lead students through discussion about the impact of chromosomal changes.
Extreme Extraction (1.5 hours)
Extracting DNA is a favorite activity for many students and teachers. In this experience, students take DNA extractions to the next level by creating their own extraction solutions using common household items. Students will learn how cell structure impacts the extraction process and discuss why scientists extract DNA.
The following experiences can be combined for up to three hours total
Exploring Enzymes (1.5 or 3 hours)
In this lab-based activity, students will investigate enzymes. Students will begin by learning about enzyme specificity using locks and keys and discuss the role of enzymatic reactions during digestion of a fast food meal. In addition, students will evaluate several enzymes by creating their own apple juice, and/or observe enzymatic action in real time as they create cheese.
Kitchen DNA with a Twist of Inquiry (1.5 hours)
Extracting DNA is a favorite activity for many students and teachers. In this experience, students take DNA extractions to the next level by creating their own extraction solutions using common household items. Students will learn how cell structure impacts the extraction process and discuss why scientists extract DNA.