AMBLER — Inside the Ambler branch of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library June 27, elementary-aged students were unlocking the genetic code to all life on earth.
Students were extracting DNA strands from strawberries using a chemical solution, as part of a lesson in genetics.
By smashing strawberries in a plastic baggy, adding salt, water and dish soap before straining the solution through a coffee filter into the plastic cup and finally adding rubbing alcohol to the strained mixture, students were able to bring the DNA strands to the surface, so they could then extract them using a coffee straw.
The experiment, the finale to a four-day-long study on the topic of genetics, was the capstone to a number of activities in which students took part, as part of the program called “Science in the Summer.” The program, sponsored by the Franklin Institute and GlaxoSmithKline, helps students get excited about learning science through hands-on activities.
“It’s been going on for more than 20 years,” said Michelle Miller, the children’s librarian at the WVPL. “Libraries in Montgomery County, Bucks County, Philadelphia County, (Chester) and Delaware County take part in it each summer.”
Each library holds different sessions depending on the age of the students. One targets second- and third-grade students, while the other section is geared more toward fourth- through sixth-grade students. At the end of the program, students are invited for a free day at the Franklin Institute to celebrate what they learned during the program.
The program in Ambler was taught by Angel Cook, a chemistry teacher at Pennsauken High School, located in Pennsauken, N.J.
Cook said the program is a great change of pace from her normal duties teaching high school students.
“This is definitely different,” she said. “I love the energy, I love the thirst for knowledge.”
She said the extraction of strawberry DNA — her favorite of the week — incorporates all of the past week’s lessons into one final project.
“It’s messy, but science can sometimes be messy,” she said.
The genetics lesson was one of several curriculums created by the Franklin Institute and GlaxoSmithKline. Every student in Montgomery County who signed up for Science in the Summer took the same genetics lesson, while students in other counties had different lessons.
“It’s a hands-on, 100 percent child-friendly curriculum,” Cook said. “I like it.”
Students seem to agree with her.
“Today was my favorite,” said Alex Yum, 10, a rising fifth-grader at Shady Grove Elementary School. “I like it because we pulled the DNA out of a strawberry using chemicals. It was all squishy. I had a really good time.”
Sophie Hoot, 8, a fourth-grader at Agora Cyber Charter School, said her favorite part was earlier in the week when students put their fingers in graphite to perform chromatography.
“It was fun because I didn’t know (the color) black could have red, blue and orange,” she said.
Cook said she thinks the program is important because it sparks interest in science. Oftentimes schools don’t have the time or resources to dedicate to activities like this program offers, so for the students who sign up, it allows them to open up and ask questions.
“It’s absolutely wonderful,” Miller said. “The kids get a taste of what it’s like to be scientists, to experiment, to question their surroundings. It’s wonderful for elementary kids.”