DNA extraction in the life science classroom usually involves isolating DNA from onions, strawberries, wheat germ, sweetbreads, etc. That tends to be kind of boring. More interesting to teachers and students is isolating DNA in humans. There are kits out there (like from BioRad) that you can buy for human DNA extraction, but they tend to be on the more expensive side, and thus aren’t practical for the classroom. I just came across a cheap method for human DNA extraction. The method comes from NOVA Science Now and it seems to involve cheap everyday chemicals. I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m definitely going to check it out. For printed version click here, for animation version click here.

About the Author

Darren Fix is currently a middle school science teacher and part time teaching consultant. He has an M.A. in education technology and is passionate about the use of technology in the science classroom.