Expedition Space Lab Mission:
DNA in Space
2 Activities: Select one or more of the activities below to complete this mission!
ACTIVITY 1
SPACE STATION EXPLORERS PARTNER PROGRAM:
GENES IN SPACE
- Genes in SpaceAn annual national research competition for students in grades 7 through 12 to design pioneering biotechnology experiments that are conducted by astronauts on the space station. The program is funded by Boeing and miniPCR bio and supported by the ISS National Laboratory® and New England BioLabs. is a nationwide challenge that invites teachers and students in grades 7-12 to design innovative experiments that use DNA analysis to solve real-world problems in space exploration.
- Student experiment proposals must use PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis and address a challenge or opportunity of space travel. Students may work on their proposals individually, but many work with teachers’ guidance in a class, afterschool, or club setting. Students are making real research breakthroughs in this program!
LESSON
DNA Strawberry Extraction from UC Biotech
All living things contain DNA, even the food we eat. In this simple DNA extraction lesson, we will examine the process of separating the DNA of strawberries.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Astronauts Successfully Demonstrate DNA Repair in Space Using CRISPR Technology
ScienceCasts: Sequencing DNA in Space
ACTIVITY 2
SPACE STATION EXPLORERS PARTNER PROGRAM:
ORION’S QUEST
- Engage students in cutting-edge space-based cancer research!
- Students replicate experiments performed in space and compare their results, allowing them to participate in real science to examine the effects of microgravityThe condition of perceived weightlessness created when an object is in free fall, for example when an object is in orbital motion. Microgravity alters many observable phenomena within the physical and life sciences, allowing scientists to study things in ways not possible on Earth. The International Space Station provides access to a persistent microgravity environment..
LESSON
Cancer Microgravity Research Experiment from Orion’s Quest
Cancer and its effects are far reaching and life changing. But what if students could participate in real cancer treatment research? With Orion’s Quest, they can!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Fighting Cancer with Microgravity Research
Fighting Cancer Through Microgravity Research
Career Connection
Geneticist
Oncologist
Speaker’s Bureau
TAKE THIS MISSION TO ANOTHER LEVEL!
Purchase a miniPCR DNA Discovery Kit.
With this miniPCR DNA Discovery System, students experiment with the same DNA analysis equipment that is used on the ISSInternational Space Station.
Expedition Space Lab is an online tool from the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory that provides educators with easy access to ISS-related lessons, activities, and other resources to integrate into their curriculum.
