This seventh grade lab focuses on life science and is designed to help students gain an early understanding of relationships of DNA to RNA to protein.
The Sickiling Cell begins with a discussion covering genes, in general, and about the genetic basis for sickle cell disease. The two day, hands-on experience, led by UAB facilitators, includes a modified version of the inquiry-based activity "Mystery of the Crooked Cell," developed by CityLab. The activities help students to understand Sickle Cell Disease at the levels of the gene, protein, cell and organism. There is a take home kit that the students utilize to teach their family members what they learned in the lab. When the UAB team returns for the 3rd visit, students share their experiences with the take home materials.