Wolbachia Project�Fall 2021
The microbes within
What is the Wolbachia Project?
Discover the Microbes Within: The Wolbachia Project is an integrative lab series designed to bring real-world scientific research into middle, high school and college biology classes through inquiry, discovery, biotechnology, and a culture of excellence. The goal is to engage students in nature and real-world research, and to contribute new scientific data on the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis.
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Teacher’s Note
My goal of bringing this project to Jenkins HS is to get students interested in the study of biology by participating in real-life science experiment to collect authentic data. With the collaboration with Vanderbilt University and their lab equipment loaner program students were able to biotechnology equipment that is not usually used in a high school biology classroom.
This year (fall 2021) was my pilot program and did not go as smoothly as I wanted. However, I do believe my students did take something from the experience. I hope to continue to bring this experience to my students in the future.
Community Partner
Vanderbilt University
Point of Contact: Dr. Sarah Bordenstein
Supports project by:
Project guides can be found at: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/wolbachiaproject/lab-series/
Arthropod Collection
Using a dichotomous key to identify an anthropod
DNA Extraction- Lots of Centrifuging
Thermocycling
Preparing for Gel Electrophoresis
Gel Electrophoresis
Student Infographics