Tag: science

On Thursday, May 19th, the AP Biology class visited the Michael Smith Laboratories in UBC for a fascinating, hands-on look at genetics and ecology. The presenter, David Ng, informed us of the history and significance of the PCR process (used to amplify or copy DNA) through interesting, engaging games and quizzes, and then had us perform a PCR experiment with our own DNA.

Working with our hands to collect and prepare DNA samples was a great way to familiarize ourselves with each separate step of the PCR process and testing our replicated DNA for the presence of certain junk alleles allowed us to witness the effectiveness of PCR in action. David Ng also supplied facts and encouraged discussion on a broad range of topics from environmental issues to the importance of scientific literacy and education.

We were especially impressed when David Ng showed us the ‘Phylo’ trading card project he is currently working on, which aims to encourage interest in biodiversity. The colourful, informative trading cards of ‘Phylo’ feature many different species from all over the world and can be collected and used for games in the same way as Pokémon cards. Click the link for more information: http://phylogame.org.

Submitted by Rachael, Gr. 12, on behalf of the AP Bio Class.

YHS participated in the 2011 Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair (GVRSF) with two project entries. The first project was by Marissa and Sabiha (Grade 8), and the second one was by Isabella (Grade 10).

Marissa and Sabiha’s joint project tested the levels of vitamin C in freshly squeezed orange juice, not from concentrate. At the end of the three-day session, Marissa and Sabiha were recognized with a participant award.

Isabella’s project researched the effects of capsaicin (the active component of chili peppers) on the formation of fat cells using cell cultures and clonal analysis. Isabella was recognized with a Silver Medal in the Life Sciences category, in addition to the BC and Yukon Heart and Stroke Foundation Award for Excellence in Research. She was also selected to participate at the Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Challenge Competition (SABC), where she earned a Merit Award. According to the SABC description, this competition “features the outstanding work of high school students who have conducted research projects and experiments of their own design in some areas of biotechnology.”

Isabella commented that the GVRSF and the SABC Competition were wonderful and enriching opportunities to pursue and research a question in a real laboratory as well as share what she had learned with other people. She mentioned that the SABC, in particular, was one of the most challenging and great experiences she has had so far, especially, because she got the opportunity to present her research in front of an audience for the first time.