Grade 8 Scientists Take DNA Learning Further

On March 19, eighth graders visited the DNA Learning Labs at City Tech in Brooklyn. This trip marked the second year the full grade visited the center and connected directly to their unit on DNA, giving students the chance to deepen their understanding through hands-on science in a university-grade lab setting.

The DNA Learning Center prepares students and families to thrive in the gene age. As the largest provider of biotechnology instruction at the precollege level in the United States, the DNALC operates 15 teaching labs throughout New York and New Jersey. Its work is centered on making complex topics in genetics accessible, engaging, and relevant to today’s learners.

Throughout the unit, students explored the structure and function of DNA, how it replicates, and how cells use it to make proteins. In class, they took part in a range of inquiry-based lab activities, including DNA extraction from plant cells, modeling DNA replication, and modeling protein synthesis.

At the DNA Learning Labs, students built on that classroom learning through advanced lab experiments, including forensic DNA analysis and crime-solving investigations. These activities reinforced their understanding of DNA while introducing them to scientific tools such as micropipettes and techniques used in professional lab environments. Plus students especially enjoyed the crime solving aspect of the day.

This immersive experience not only extended their comprehension of key biological concepts but also strengthened their skills in experimental design, execution, and scientific thinking. As such, the trip was a required part of the eighth grade science curriculum and a valuable opportunity for students to engage in real-world applications of their learning.