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Objectives: SWBAT: 1) Use DNA nucleotide sequences to build double-stranded DNA molecules 2) Cut DNA using restriction enzymes 3) Construct a model gel electrophoresis apparatus 4) Analyze the results of a gel electrophoresis apparatus to determine the killer in a murder

While a physical property can be observed without altering the identity of a material, a chemical property cannot. Chemical properties are observed when substances are converted to different substances with different properties. Flammability, for example, is a chemical property that can only be observed when a substance reacts with oxygen. If a chemical change has occurred, the products will differ from the reactants. Although one must perform chemical analyses to show that a chemical reaction has taken place, there are certain easily observed changes that generally indicate a chemical reaction has occurred: (1) the production of heat or light; (2) the production of a gas when two or more substances are mixed; (3) the formation of a precipitate when two or more solutions are mixed; and (4) a change in color.

As expert scientists, you have been asked to present information regarding a hot biological topic to the broader scientific community. The presentation is to include basic information as well as a more specific topic question.

Students will complete a project of their choosing for the purpose of informing the general population about illicit drugs. The project must contain a TYPED (12 pt, Times New Roman, 1" margins, single-spaced or two-page double spaced) explanation of the drug of their choice and issues surrounding the drug. Ideas for projects include: newspaper article, collage and description, letter to a Pharmaceutical company, essay about chemical interactions, etc. The sky is the limit so long as students provide the written essay to accompany the visual.

Scientists experimentally determine the average atomic mass of candium, using its three "naturally occurring" isotopes. Groups present their measurements and calculations to explain to a community of scientists how to determine average atomic mass.

Present a theory of atomic structure with your group for the purpose to teaching your classmates about atomic discovery.

Groups presented information about one of the six super nutrients to their peers.

The Challenge: Your challenge is to improve a toy that uses various chemical and/or gas principles. The new toy should be appealing to a certain age group of your choice. You will need to prepare a presentation for the board of the toy company. Your presentation should include: 1. A written proposal of the improvement that should be made to the toy and why. The proposal must include at least two chemical and/or gas concepts studied in this unit. 2. Either a detailed drawing of the new version of the toy or a mock prototype of the toy 3. Any potential hazards or waste-disposal issues incurred by your improvement

As a class, we've come up with some great ideas about how to improve our school community through drug education. After our conversation, we decided to do a series of posters about different drugs and a informational DVD to be distributed to the Explorations community.

Your team is responsible for explaining the combined gas law through an experiment of your choice. After choosing an experiment, your team will write a hypothesis, follow a procedure, make observations, record results, and present your findings to your classmates. The team with best presentation will receive an invitation to present your experiment and findings at the Explorations Expo on April 10.