School groups can attend single day workshops to deepen knowledge and skills relating to the curriculum. SPARQ-ed’s PC2 laboratory is a unique teaching facility. Students have the opportunity to complete experiments which are only possible in a biomedical research lab. The laboratory can hold up to 24 students.
Workshops include resources that aid the teaching of relevant concepts, ensuring you get the most out of your visit.
Working with DNA
Virtual Lessons
These lessons give an overview of making recombinant DNA, as it applies to the Queensland curriculum and to the practical workshops students can do at SPARQ-ed. The lessons are organised into three modules, and include presentations and worksheets. For an overview of how the modules are structured, and how they link with the curriculum, refer to this video on Youtube. In addition, each of the presentations are provided with audio explanations on this Youtube Playlist.
Module 1—Introduction to DNA and the Tools of Biotechnology
Presentation A: What is DNA?
Booklet A: What is DNA?
Presentation B: Biotechnology: Recombinant DNA and Cloning
Booklet B: Biotechnology: Recombinant DNA and Cloning
Further Reading and Viewing
Module 2—The SPARQ-ed Workshop—Cloning GFP
Presentation A The SPARQ-ed Workshop: Cloning GFP
Booklet A: The SPARQ-ed Workshop: Cloning GFP
Further Reading and Viewing
Module 3—Restriction Enzyme Analysis
Presentation A: Using Restriction Enzymes
Presentation B: Interpreting DNA Data from Gel Electrophoresis
Booklet 3: Restriction Enzyme Analysis Using Gel Electrophoresis
Further Reading and Viewing
Working with DNA Modules on Youtube:
Enzyme inhibitors
Β-galactosidase catalyses several reactions, including lactose digestion in humans. Participants will explore how its action can be inhibited competitively or noncompetitively. There is scope in this workshop to develop and complete Biology Unit 1 Student Experiments or Year 10 Chemistry Student Experiments.
Curriculum links: Biology Unit 1, Chemistry Unit 2, Year 9 & 10 ACARA Science
Target grade levels: Year 9, 10 and 11
Module 1 - Introduction to enzymes
Resource A: Introduction to enzymes presentation (PPTX, 37.3 MB)
Resource B: Student worksheet
Resource list:
- Enzyme Action and the Hydrolysis of Sucrose [HD Animation] by McGraw Hill Animation
- Enzymes (Updated) by Amoeba Sisters
- SSREC Enzymes page: Has links to experiment protocols and PowerPoint by Scottish Schools Education Research Centre.
Module 2 - Enzyme inhibitors
Cell biology
Participants will expose HeLa cells to varying concentrations of salt. Using light microscope observations, they will draw conclusions about osmolarity of solutions. In the second part, they will explore the effect of growth factors on the differentiation of stem cells.
Curriculum Links: Biology Unit 1, Year 8 & 10 ACARA Science
Target grade levels: Year 7, 8, 10, 11
Module 1—Introduction to HeLa cells
Resource A: Student Worksheet
Resource B: HeLa timeline Worksheet
Resource C: Working with HeLa at SPARQ-ed
Resource List:
- Henrietta Lacks: The Immortal Woman by Biographics. This is a 20min video describing Henrietta’s life in some detail.
- The immortal cells of Henrietta Lacks by Robin Bulleri. This is a shorter video, gives a good overview and may be more appropriate for younger grades.
- Henrietta Lacks, the Tuskegee Experiment, and Ethical Data Collection by Crash Course Statistics #12. The first half explores some examples of ethics in science. The second half discusses collection of data by internet providers and social media before linking back to the concept of consent.
Articles and books
- Who owns human tissues samples? Written by Dr Lesley Russell and published on the Australian Medical Association website.
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. Crown. 2010. Later published by Broadway Books, 2011.
Module 2—Osmolarity
Resource A—Hyper-, iso- and Hypo tonic solutions
Resource B—Observing cell responses at SPARQ-ed
Cell Biology - Observing effects of Salinity
Resource List:
- Hypertonic, Hypotonic and Isotonic solutions by BOGOBiology. A quick (4.45) video explaining these situations. Reviews membrane structure, diffusion and osmosis quickly as well.
- Diffusion and Osmosis by Science Sauce. Works through definitions of diffusion and osmosis discussing factors that affect the rate of each. Finishes by looking at solution concentration and effects on cells (plant and animal).
Fees and booking information
SPARQ-ed fees
Charged per group of 24 students:
- Low ICSEA (<950) $50
- Other $350
To be paid on confirmation of booking through UQPay. Information will be sent with your Booking Confirmation.
Booking information
Start the booking process by completing the Expression of Interest Form and sending to sparqed@uq.edu.au. SPARQ-ed staff will then contact you to finalise your booking.
Booking resources
- Expression of Interest form
- Parent permission form information
- UQ Media consent
- Travelling to TRI
- Lunch advice: Students should bring their own lunch where possible. Café Catalyst is directly opposite SPARQ-ed. It gets very busy during the day. The PA Hospital also has a large cafeteria on the ground floor where groups of students could be escorted by school supervisors.
- Specific requirements: Workshops are able to be differentiated to suit the needs of participants. Let the SPARQ-ed teachers know of any special requirements on the Expression of Interest Form or contact us on 3443 6920.