Fruit+Flies+-+Exploring+Mutant+Organisms

Fruit Flies - Exploring Mutant Organisms

Louann: I think kids would enjoy this.

[|Exploring Mutant Organisms Kit.ppt]

Mark - I like the idea of the analysis and the chart for observation. My only concern/reservation is the ease of viewing. The magnifiers DO work, but if there are any other possible options or viewers/scopes that may make things larger/clearer. Otherwise, I think it is interesting and enjoyable! Good way to show distinctions and characteristic differences. As far as mating, that may get a little difficult for management purposes, but can be doable in a classroom.

Jim-I think students would find this interesting. They could learn about genetics, and also about insects and their anatomy. Obviously one would have to tailor the lab to the ability of the students in a particular class.

Susan- I like the idea of working with fruitflies for genetics. I am not sure I would look for a lab that only focused on mutations. This may be perfect for junior high.

Ken - Good exploration for junior high. I would suggest using dissection scopes and the cold blocks, and choosing specific mutations that are easy to ID.

Deb- The middle school students would find this very interesting. It would be great if you could get ahold of some dissecting microscopes for them to use. They could really see the differences. We could let you borrow some and I'm sure David would too.

Emily- I am not sure that I would do this during my genetics unit, I think it would fit better in my classroom as an observation/data collection lab for the introdutory unit of scienctific method in my classroom. It is nice that it provides many mutations/variations.

Carrie - This lab is a good introduction to mutations, however, I prefer dissection scopes to the magnification glasses. I also like how this lab introduces drosophilia.