SCIENCE EXPERIMENT RECREATION
Earlier this year Dr Johnson and Ms Donaldson applied for and received a mini-grant from ABE Master Teacher Fellowship.
Dr Johnson and Ms Donaldson purchased a laser table with the objective of recreating the experiment conducted by Rosalind Franklin. The opportunity to use the laser table sparked an interest in students that led to increased engagement. Students were given an insight into the use of scientific technologies and how these technologies are used in making significant scientific discoveries.
Students gained greater understanding of the discovery of DNA and how Rosalind Franklin’s discoveries supported others research.
Student feedback:
“The x-ray crystallography experiment displayed the authentic method used for ‘photo 51’ which allowed a strong and exciting engagement from students. The experiment was quick and easy with minimal time needed compared to other experiments. The experiment displays the structure of DNA that is simple to understand.” Samiuela Angianga
“The technology really allowed a better understanding of the x-ray crystallography. The model engaged the whole class and made us not want to leave it.” Luke Denniss
“The laser table provided information and insight into how the laser can change shapes depending on the object in front of it. With a spring in front of it, the laser changed into an ‘x’ shape and would widen or shorten depending on how the spring was stretched. It had a slight resemblance to Photo 51. Overall this has bettered my understanding of x-ray crystallography and the double helix structure of DNA.” Sean Dichoso
