Bringing Science to the Community
Scientific curiosity starts with a spark! In the Krahn lab we are dedicated to providing students at all education levels the opportunity to experience that feeling and provide a platform for them to get involved in science, with a focus on synthetic biology!
Space Forces at East Jackson Elementary School
We combined the units of space and forces to teach the Gr 2 and Gr 4 students about centrifugal force. The students picked two different reagents and used some multiplication to hypothesize the force it would take to separate them. Of course the experiment was not complete until they got a chance to test their hypothesis.
Extracting DNA from Strawberries at Thomas Lay Afterschool
Josh teamed up with some fellow graduate students and exposed elementary students to the insides of strawberries. They crushed up the strawberries and were able to visualize the DNA coming out. This initiative has created a lasting connection betwen the Biochemistry Graduate Student Association and the Thomas Lay Afterschool program in Clarke County
Testing soil pH at East Jackson Elementary School
We took the Grade 3 soil unit up a notch with testing the pH of the soil in their backyard. Students made a hypothesis on what the pH would be and then tested it with pH strips. They soon realized it was too acidic to grow their favorite plant, so they added sodium bicarbonate to increase the pH of their soil. Some added too much and overshot the pH into the basic zone, while others got in the perfect neutral range. The vortex and mini-fuge were definitely highlights of the experience!
RNA Adventure Zone at Atlanta Science Festival
With thousands of people coming through the Atlanta Science Festival, we provided hands on opportunity for people to match base pairs in DNA and then translate that into a bracelet!
.jpg)
CRISPR editing at Empower College and Career Center
With the support from a Communication in Research grant from UGA, the Krahn lab went to middle schools and high schools to teach CRISPR gene editing technology. We found some great talent at the Empower Center in Jefferson, GA which initiated a high school internship program.
