9-12 (High School)
What can we learn from worms? How the nematode C. elegans maintains balance in a changing environment
In this complete 5-lesson unit introducing C.
Malthus Under a Microscope
Mueller, M. (2007). Malthus Under a Microscope: Using the soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to test Darwin’s premises about populations. The American Biology Teacher, 69(4), 219-225.
Students cultivated C. elegans
, measured C. elegans population over time to gain deeper understanding of Darwin’s premises about populations, such as natural selection.
Note: you must purchase access to view the article online.
Dice & Slice
A 6-day hands-on inquiry unit. Activities include C. elegans phenotype observation, worm transfer, RNA interference, PCR and DNA electrophoresis. In addition, students have the opportunity to apply online tool BLAST to find out the gene sequence of the dsRNA underlying the interference of RNA (RNAi).
Using Digital Microscopy
Travaille, M. & Adams, S. (2006). Using digital microscopy. The Science Teacher. 73(4), 50-54.
In this article, video digital microscopy was used that allowed students to capture images of C. elegans [both time-laped and still] to study animal behavior and development.
Note: you must be an NSTA member to access the article online.
