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This simple kit makes it easy to introduce students to the model organism C. elegans, a microscopic nematode worm. In this lab, students perform "chunking," a simple way to move worms from one plate to another. They then observe the morphology, life cycle, and behavior of both wild-type and mutant worms. The observation that different mutants have different phenotypes emphasizes the relationship of genotype to different phenotype. Kit provides materials for 32 students working in 8 groups of 4.

Product Details
Intermediate—Easy to perform; requires some background knowledge.

This simple kit makes it easy to introduce students to the model organism C. elegans, a microscopic nematode worm used in Nobel Prize-winning studies on development, programmed cell death (apoptosis), and RNA interference. In this lab, students perform "chunking," a simple way to move worms from one plate to another. They then observe the morphology, life cycle, and behavior of both wild-type and mutant worms. The observation that different mutants have different phenotypes emphasizes the relationship of genotype to different phenotype.

Product Features

• Students practice microscopic and aseptic techniques that are essential for working with model organisms
• Materials are sufficient for 8 groups of 4 students (32 students total)
• Includes perishable materials
• A complete visual lab procedure complements the written protocol
• Resource section connects the kit activities to authentic lab techniques, real-world careers, historical perspectives, and more
• Kit content and the skills used by students during the investigations support obtainment of BCSI biotechnology micro-credentials
• Provides an NGSS phenomena activity and aligns to science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts

Time Requirement
Three to four 30- to 60-minute class periods.

Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support instruction. Digital resources may include a teacher manual and student guide, pre-lab activities and setup videos, simulations, and post-lab analysis and assessments.

Learning Objectives
Students will:

• Learn about the use of model organisms in research
• Observe development and identify specific developmental stages in C. elegans
• Explore the relationship between genotype and phenotype

Methods for Biological Research Used in the Kit

• Use stereomicroscopes to observe and analyze cultures of bacteria and C. elegans

Connection to the Next Generation Science Standards*
Science and Engineering Practices

• Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Disciplinary Core Ideas

• LS1.A: Structure and Function
• LS3.A: Inheritance of Traits
• LS3.B: Variation of Traits

Crosscutting Concepts

• Patterns

Note: Because of the time-sensitive preparation and limited shelf life of the kit's living materials, please order a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the desired ship date. Plan on using the materials within a week of receiving them. Kit ships only on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays and is shipped standard overnight delivery.

*Next Generation Science Standards® is a registered trademark of WestEd. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.