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DNA Learning Lab Programmes
Welcome to the DNA Learning Laboratory!
Students and public can now engage in unraveling the secrets of life at the DNA Learning Lab at Science Centre Singapore. This facility allows students (primary to pre-university levels) and public to keep pace with the DNA revolution and advances in the life sciences. So come along, learn and enjoy the experience!
 
Open to school bookings only
More about the DNA Learning Lab
  
| What's in the Gene Scene |
| Description |
This lecture demonstration is perfectly tailored for students who are new to the 'gene scene'. Through interactive demonstrations, students will be able to understand the basics of genetics and the role it plays in our lives. Every student will be actively engaged in the lecture through a creative question and answer session. This lecture aims to spark the interest in every young scientist, showing them genetics in everyday life. |
| Mode of Delivery |
Lecture Demonstration |
| Target Audience |
Primary 5 to Primary 6 |
| Group size |
40 minimum, 80 maximum |
| Duration |
1.5 hours |
| Time: |
9.30am or 2.30pm |
| Course Fee |
Free (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) | Back to Top
| DNA: Cracking the Code of Life |
| Description |
Chromosomes, DNA, genes, proteins - are they the same thing? Do all the 3 million bases in our DNA contain information and how is this information decoded to give our traits? The answers to these questions (and more) will be explored by the students through group activities and games. Students will also get to learn the different kinds of mutations in DNA and its implication; how a seemingly tiny change in DNA results in significant life-changing impacts. |
| Mode of Delivery |
Lecture Demonstration |
| Target Audience |
Secondary 3 to Secondary 4/5 (Intermediate) |
| Group size |
40 minimum, 80 maximum |
| Duration |
2 hours |
| Time |
9.30am or 2.30pm |
| Course Fee |
Free (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) |
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| Bioethics (Discussion + Exhibition) - Primary 5 to Pre-U - REVISED |
| Description |
Allowing research on your DNA; using human as lab rats; harvesting organs from a donor. Science has made these possible but it does not answer if they are right or ‘how it affects me’, and this makes science seem irrelevant to society. Bioethics allows students to understand how science affects mankind and thus allows them to make better ethical decisions. Through a first-hand experience on 1 of 3 scenarios, students will be guided to analyse ethical situations and learn how to be effective in a discussion as well as respect others’ rational decision.
Option A: Organ transplantation
Option B: Stem cell treatment and clinical trials
Option C: Genetic testing
By engaging in activities tailor-made for each of these scenarios, students will learn how to question and analyse scientific dilemmas and be prepared to make ethical decisions in the future. |
| Mode of Delivery |
Discussion, tour of bioethics exhibition with trail booklet given, addressing some of the ethical issues. |
| Target Audience |
Primary 5 to Pre-U
(Content will be adjusted according to the level of the students) |
| Group size |
20 minimum, 40 maximum |
| Duration |
2.5 hours |
| Time: |
9.30am or 2.30pm |
| Course Fee |
Free (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members). |
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| Bacteria Outbreak! |
| Description |
Bacteria and virus outbreaks can cause chaos and serious harm to a huge number of people especially if they are not detected and controlled in time. It is important to know how to handle outbreaks and how to prevent outbreaks. In this lesson, students will be investigating a case of outbreak through a series of basic epidemiological techniques. They will find the source of the infection, resolve the case and understand how that outbreak could have been prevented. |
| Practicals |
Microscope viewing of bacteria
Bacteria planting |
| Mode of Delivery |
Practical lab session |
| Target Audience |
Primary 5 & Primary 6 |
| Group size |
20 minimum, 40 maximum |
| Duration |
2 hours |
| Time |
9.30am or 2.30pm |
| Course Fee |
$6.00 (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) |
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| Diversity of Cells |
| Description |
Look around you and you will notice the variety of life forms on Earth. In this session, students will be introduced to the concept of cell diversity. Cells covered include yeast, pond organisms, animal, plant and bacterial cells. Students will be taught to use the microscope to view these cells and identify for themselves the differences between various cells. They will solve a mystery, based on their ability to identify different cells. |
| Practicals |
Microscope viewing
Wet-mount slide preparation
Simple staining for identification of cells |
| Mode of Delivery |
Practical lab session |
| Target Audience |
Primary 5 & Primary 6 |
| Group size |
20 minimum, 40 maximum |
| Duration |
2 hours |
| Time: |
9.30am or 2.30pm |
| Course Fee |
$6.00 (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) |
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| DNA Basics |
| Description |
DNA is the blueprint of life and knowing about it gives us great knowledge in the way life works. In this class, students will be introduced to DNA as the most important molecule of life and made aware of the role of DNA in our lives. Students will get a better understanding of the structure of DNA by making a DNA model. They will also be able to see what DNA looks like in real life, by extracting it from bacterial cells. |
| Practicals |
DNA extraction (bacteria)
DNA model making |
| Mode of Delivery |
Practical lab session |
| Target Audience |
Primary 5 & Primary 6 |
| Group size |
20 minimum, 40 maximum |
| Duration |
2 hours |
| Time |
9.30am or 2.30pm |
| Course Fee: |
$6.00 (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) |
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| DNA Detectives - REVISED |
| Description |
Every crime scene leaves a trace but do they lead to the right criminal? Follow the path of a forensic investigator as students process a series of evidence using various methods. As they work to solve the mystery behind the case, they will understand more about DNA and its significance in forensic studies. |
| Practicals |
Micropipetting techniques
Gel electrophoresis (actual DNA samples are not used) |
| Mode of Delivery |
Practical lab session |
| Target Audience |
Primary 5 & Primary 6 |
| Group size |
20 minimum, 40 maximum |
| Duration |
2 hours |
| Time |
9.30am or 2.30pm |
| Course Fee |
$6.00 (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) |
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| Genes and Our Traits |
| Description |
Most of our physical traits are determined by the genes we carry. Students are introduced to the concept of genetic inheritance by determining the variation of several genetic traits from parents to offspring. Why is one baby a boy, and another one a girl? Why does one child have blue eyes, and another brown eyes? Learning how genes and chromosomal changes are passed down through generations helps students to understand why one person can be affected by a genetic disease, while his parents and another sibling are unaffected. |
| Practicals: |
Genetic traits identification exercises
DNA extraction (wheat germ) |
| Mode of Delivery |
Practical lab session |
| Target Audience |
Primary 5 & Primary 6 |
| Group size |
20 minimum, 40 maximum |
| Duration |
2 hours |
| Time |
9.30am or 2.30pm |
| Course Fee |
$6.00 (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) |
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| Bacteria and Health |
| Description |
The presence of bacteria in our living environment can affect us in many ways. Students will be introduced to the positive and negative effects of bacteria in our daily lives. Students will take on the role of medical scientists to solve a foul play involving bacteria in a school. During the process of solving the case, they will learn about the different shapes of bacteria and the way to identify bacteria from their shapes and arrangements. They will also carry out a test to check on the resistance of the bacteria to two types of antibiotics. Students will then gain a better understanding about how bacteria resistance can affect our lives. |
| Practicals |
Sterile and micropipetting techniques
Sterile techniques/planting
Antibiotic resistance test |
| Mode of Delivery |
Practical lab session |
| Target Audience |
Secondary 1 to Secondary 2 (Beginner) |
| Group size |
20 minimum, 40 maximum |
| Duration |
2 hours |
| Time |
9.30am or 2.30pm |
| Course Fee |
$6.00 (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) |
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| DNA and Life |
| Description |
DNA is often described as the most important molecule of life. Students will be introduced to the main structural components of DNA. Participants will gain a better appreciation of the role and relevance of DNA in our activities of daily living and health. |
| Practicals |
Karotyping activity
DNA extraction |
| Mode of Delivery |
Practical lab session |
| Target Audience |
Secondary 1 & Secondary 2 (Beginner) |
| Group size |
20 minimum, 40 maximum |
| Duration |
2 hours |
| Time |
9.30am or 2.30pm |
| Course Fee |
$6.00 (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) |
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| DNA in Forensic Science - REVISED |
| Description |
A trace is left in every crime scene but do they lead to the right criminal? As students adopt the role of forensic investigators, they will learn different ways of processing evidence and investigate the difference between subjective and objective techniques used in crime laboratories. Through their investigation to nail the right criminal behind the case, students will understand more about DNA, its significance in forensic studies, and how DNA has become one of the most powerful tools that can prove one’s innocence or guilt. |
| Practicals |
Micropipetting techniques
Gel electrophoresis techniques (Actual DNA samples are not used) |
| Mode of Delivery |
Practical lab session |
| Target Audience |
Secondary 1 to Secondary 2 (Beginner) |
| Group size |
20 minimum, 40 maximum |
| Duration |
2 hours |
| Time |
9.30am or 2.30pm |
| Course Fee |
$6.00 (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) |
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| Enzymes |
| Description |
Enzymes are one of the most important proteins coded by our DNA as they are the main drivers of biological processes in any living organisms. Now, their activities are also harnessed by companies to speed up industrial processes. In this class, students will be taken through experiments to explore the different properties of enzymes and how certain factors affect the activity of enzymes. They will also learn the uses and application of enzymes in commercial industries and most importantly, in everyday life. |
| Practicals |
Effects of temperature on enzyme activity
Uses of enzymes e.g. lactase and rennase |
| Mode of Delivery |
Practical lab session |
| Target Audience |
Secondary 1 to Secondary 2 (Beginner) |
| Group size |
20 minimum, 40 maximum |
| Duration |
2 hours |
| Time |
9.30am or 2.30pm |
| Course Fee |
$6.00 (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) |
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| Finding the Lost Princess - A Forensic Approach |
| Description |
The Romanovs - the last imperial family of Russia, burdened by the Russian revolution, scandals and ailing son with a fatal genetic condition, finally met their gruesome, untimely demise at the hands of the Red Army firing squad. Almost 60 years later, a mass grave was discovered in cold Siberia and 9 of the 11 members of the imperial family were accounted for. But what happened to the youngest children of the Tsar, Anastasia and Alexei? Was Anna Anderson telling the truth when she claimed to be Princess Anastasia? In a captivating class that combines real history and forensic analysis, students will learn of the fate of the two youngest Romanovs and how the haemophilia gene became prominent in the European royal family. |
| Practicals |
Micropipetting techniques
Gel electrophoresis techniques
Comparison of evidence |
| Mode of Delivery |
Practical lab session |
| Target Audience |
Secondary 3, 4/5 (Intermediate) |
| Group size |
20 minimum, 40 maximum |
| Duration |
3 hours |
| Time |
9.30am or 2.30pm |
| Course Fee |
$8.00 (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) |
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| Genetic Diseases |
| Description |
Genetic diseases are health problems that plague human society. In this class, students will become more acquainted with genetic diseases and through the use of genetic diagrams, learn how to predict the chances of inheriting a genetic disease. They will also get a chance to role-play as genetic counsellors and employ laboratory techniques to address a case study of genetic disease. |
| Practicals |
Micropipetting techniques
Gel electrophoresis techniques |
| Mode of Delivery |
Practical lab session |
| Target Audience |
Secondary 3 to Secondary 4/5 (Intermediate) |
| Group size |
20 minimum, 40 maximum |
| Duration |
2 hours |
| Time |
9.30am or 2.30pm |
| Course Fee |
$6.00 (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) |
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| Amazing Enzymes - The Important Catalysts of Life - NEW! |
| Description |
Enzymes are life’s work horses. They help the human body in food digestion, speed up biochemical reactions and many other important processes. In this lesson, students will learn what enzymes are, what they are made of and how they work. Through hands-on experiments, students will also get to understand how certain factors can affect the rate of reaction of enzymes and how they can also help scientists in important scientific research studies. |
| Practicals |
Micropipetting techniques
Colorimetric reaction
Use of spectrophotometer for quantitative enzyme assay analysis |
| Mode of Delivery |
Practical lab session |
| Target Audience |
Secondary 3 to Pre-U (Intermediate) |
| Group size |
20 minimum, 40 maximum |
| Duration |
3 hours |
| Time |
9.30am or 2.30pm |
| Course Fee |
$12.00 (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) |
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| Bacteria Transformation |
| Description |
Students will learn that genes may be transferred between cells by using a simple procedure to transform bacteria via heat shock. The gene used, Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), originated from the bioluminescent jellyfish, Aequorea victoria. This experience will allow students to better appreciate the methods used by scientists to create transgenic organisms. In medical biotechnology, a similar transformation technique has been used to insert a gene for human insulin into bacteria for mass production of insulin. Students will also learn the sterile lab techniques necessary to work with bacteria, including growing bacteria colonies via plating. |
| Practicals |
Micropipetting techniques
Sterile technique / Plating
Bacteria transformation (Heat-shock method) |
| Mode of Delivery |
Practical lab session |
| Target Audience |
Secondary 3, 4/5 to Pre-U - Intermediate |
| Group size |
20 minimum, 40 maximum |
| Duration |
2 hours |
| Time |
9.30am or 2.30pm |
| Course Fee |
$8.00 (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) |
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| Restriction Enzyme Analysis (Full-day workshop) |
| Description |
Students will learn about the importance of restriction enzymes and their role in analysing DNA. They will have the opportunity to practise techniques used in electrophoresis for DNA separation and analysis. We will introduce students to micropipettes and sterile pipetting techniques. Students will understand the concept of electrophoresis and how it separates a mixture of DNA fragments. They will also learn how to predict a DNA fingerprint using restriction maps. Concepts on restriction enzyme analysis will provide the students with the knowledge of such applications. |
| Practicals |
Micropipetting techniques
Preparation of agarose gel and electrophoresis techniques
Digestion of DNA with restriction enzymes
DNA analysis |
| Mode of Delivery |
Practical lab session |
| Target Audience |
Secondary 3 to Pre-U - Intermediate |
| Group size |
20 minimum, 40 maximum |
| Duration |
4.5 hours (full day workshop) |
| Time |
9.30am – 11.30am and 12.30pm – 3.00pm
(including lunch break – food not provided) |
| Course Fee |
$12.00 (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) |
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| Forensic Analysis DNA Profiling |
| Description |
DNA profiling is currently considered the gold standard in forensic science and has been highly popularised by television shows such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Although the current state of the art DNA profiling uses 13 to 16 short tandem repeat (STR) loci in a multiplex PCR format, this experiment pursues the amplification of a single variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) locus, D1S80. Using the information from the experiment, students would work together to solve a 'crime' bearing in mind that maybe one of their classmates could be the potential 'criminal'! |
| Practicals |
Micropipetting techniques
DNA extraction from cheek cells*
Polymerase chain reaction
Gel electrophoresis
* Participants will need to provide their own DNA sample from cheek cells |
| Mode of Delivery |
Practical lab session |
| Target Audience |
Pre-U |
| Group size |
20 minimum, 40 maximum |
| Duration |
4.5 hours (full day workshop) |
| Time |
9.30am – 11.30am and 12.30pm – 3.00pm
(including lunch break – food not provided) |
| Course Fee |
$20.00 (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) | Back to Top
| Genetic Engineering: Recombinant DNA Cloning - NEW! |
| Description |
DNA cloning is a fundamental technique used in various applications such as producing genetically modified food, genetic treatments and in the production of medicines. In this comprehensive 2 day lesson, students will get a hands-on experience of the whole recombinant DNA cloning procedure and understand the purpose of each step. |
| Practicals |
Micropipetting techniques
Polymerase Chain Reaction
DNA purification
Digestion of DNA with restriction enzymes
Ligation of DNA insert with plasmid
Bacteria transformation
Blue/white screening
Gel electrophoresis |
| Mode of Delivery |
Practical lab session |
| Target Audience |
Pre-U 1 to Pre-U 2 (Intermediate) |
| Group size |
20 minimum, 40 maximum |
| Duration |
Two-day workshop |
| Time |
9.30am – 5pm
(Two-day workshop includes lunch break – food not provided)
The workshop will only be available during the school holidays. Schools are advised to book early as two consecutive days are required for the workshop. |
| Course Fee |
$50.00 (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) | Back to Top
| Genetically Modified Food - What's your take? |
| Description |
GM food has made a big splash in the news lately as they are becoming increasingly available at grocery stores in some countries. What exactly are we eating? How are these GM food created? Students will carry out DNA extraction and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to identify the gene region that is commonly used to make GM food. GM food has also stirred a mix of emotions among people, with some accepting them while others labelling them as “Frankenstein” food. Is GM food safe or harmful? Students will explore the insights into the issues of GM food and decide what their take is. |
| Practicals |
Micropipetting techniques
Preparation of agarose gel
Polymerase chain reaction
Gel electrophoresis |
| Mode of Delivery |
Practical lab session |
| Target Audience |
Pre-U 1 to Pre-U 2 (Intermediate) |
| Group size |
20 minimum, 40 maximum |
| Duration |
4.5 hours (full day workshop) |
| Time |
9.30am – 11.30am and 12.30pm – 3.00pm
(Full day workshop includes lunch break – food not provided) |
| Course Fee |
$20.00 (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) | Back to Top
| PTC Taste Receptor |
| Description |
Taste recognition is mediated by the presence of taste receptors on the surface of the cells. Individuals with the PTC taste receptor are able to taste PTC, a bitter- tasting compound. In this lesson, students will learn more about the genetic basis of taste and analyse their DNA for the presence of the PTC taste receptor, TAS2R38. |
| Practicals |
Micropipetting techniques
DNA extraction from cheek cells*
Polymerase chain reaction
Preparation of agarose gel and electrophoresis techniques
Digestion of DNA with restriction enzyme
* Participants will need to provide their own DNA sample from cheek cells |
| Mode of Delivery |
Practical lab session |
| Target Audience |
Pre-U 1 to Pre-U 2 (Intermediate) |
| Group size |
20 minimum, 40 maximum |
| Duration |
4.5 hours (full day workshop) |
| Time |
9.30am – 11.30am and 12.30pm – 3.00pm
(Full day workshop includes lunch break – food not provided) |
| Course Fee |
$20.00 (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) | Back to Top
| Surviving Underwater |
| Description |
How do certain rice crops survive under flood waters? Scientists have identified a certain quantitative locus that confers such ability to rice crops and allows them to grow even when they are submerged up to depths of 20-30 cm! Come and be a scientist for a day and learn the molecular techniques that are required to identify this important gene! |
| Practicals |
Micropipetting techniques
DNA extraction from plant
Polymerase chain reaction
Preparation of agarose gel and gel electrophoresis |
| Mode of Delivery |
Practical lab session |
| Target Audience |
Pre-U |
| Group size |
20 minimum, 40 maximum |
| Duration |
4.5 hours (full day workshop) |
| Time |
9.30am – 11.30am and 12.30pm – 3.00pm
(including lunch break – food not provided) |
| Course Fee |
$20.00 (Admission fee to Science Centre applies to Non-Institutional School Members) |
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Beginner – This is suitable for students without prior knowledge of the subject
Intermediate – Some prior knowledge of the subject is required to better appreciate the content.
  
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