DNA Extraction: Comparing DNA Using DNase, RNase & Electrophoresis Available to Purchase

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) were proposed in 2013 in the United States for K–12 learning to emphasize the importance of science and engineering practices in the three dimensions of science learning. In this study, we show that DNA extraction experiments, which are familiar in the United States, can be used not only as demonstration experiments but also as educational material for science practices. We could visualize extracted DNA using an enzyme treatment with DNase and RNase and agarose gel electrophoresis. We conducted a science practice in which a DNA extraction experiment was used as an extracurricular club activity in Japan. The students made predictions, conducted experiments, obtained results, and reflected on their findings. Although there are still points needing improvement, our results indicate that the DNA extraction experiment can be used as a new teaching material for NGSS science practices.