Enhancing skills using DNA barcoding for invertebrate inquiry

This session will showcase: •how DNA barcoding is being used in schools for practical, inquiry-based projects investigating invertebrate biodiversity in years 10 - 13 •how using practical project work can enhance understanding of molecular biology techniques in the curriculum •the positive engagement of educators with Barcoding for beginners CPD and resources •the impact on practical molecular biology ability, transferable skills and career awareness in participating students •one of the bioinformatics exercises to demonstrate how interrogating open access databases can be used in teaching This session will explore how the practical ‘Barcoding for beginners’ project is being used to investigate invertebrate biodiversity with learners in years 10-13. See the resources available to support this inquiry-based project using molecular biology techniques, transferable skills and bioinformatics and to enhance career awareness. Hear about the impact of authentic scientific investigation and collaboration on educators and students. Trial one of the bioinformatics exercises to understand how learning framed in a practical context can enhance domain specific skills. Attendees will: •understand the structure and impact of the Barcoding for beginners programme (15 min) •trial a bioinformatics element from the project to demonstrate how the project can enhance students’ domain-specific skills (20 min) •discuss how a DNA barcoding project would fit with their teaching / curriculum (10 min) •feedback reflections on the bioinformatics activity or the programme (10 min)