Did you ever wonder what it’s like trying to catch dog drool in a test tube? Have you pondered whether you would survive a disease outbreak if you were a wolf pup with orange eyes? Come behind the scenes at our latest exciting Conservation Nation Academy shoot at Colossal Biosciences, where we tackle these and other burning questions in the science of de-extinction.
The Conservation Nation Academy is thrilled to be partnering with Colossal Biosciences to bring you into their state-of-the art conservation lab with Dr. Darya Tourzani, an amazing first-generation American woman breaking barriers in using genetic science to help endangered animals.
We are excited that educators everywhere will be able to bring Darya into their classrooms to explore what DNA is and where it comes from, learn how scientists use DNA and technology to save endangered species, and play some interactive games to show why diversity is important in nature. They also get to hear from this inspiring scientist about how she got interested in a conservation career and how she does her job today.
Together with Colossal, we designed the module Lessons in the Science of De-extinction to be interactive and to include hands-on activities, so it’s not just watching a video, it’s a whole experience where students (of all ages!) learn how to do a simple DNA extraction and play a simulation game where they become a pack of wolves facing various environmental scenarios that threaten their survival. One of the highlights is meeting Jolene, an adorable boxer who donates her drool for the DNA extraction demo. (Yes, there is DNA in dog drool!)
This module teaches why diversity is important in nature and in the conservation field and can be found with our other free lessons on the Conservation Nation Academy Lessons Page.
