OUASSA- Day 3

This morning we went to the School of Sports Science to learn about ways we can incorporate them into our science curriculum and practical applications of Sport Science. We used a software (free) called Kinovea, to analyse the physics of throwing a ball. The software calculates speed and angles based on a short video of a throw. We were also given a booklet of ways in which we might apply a Sports lens to investigations and other areas of science. 

We spent most of our day in specialist subject areas doing lab activities. I went to the Biology lab focusing on Genetics. It was such a great time being back in the lab! First we set up some Gel Electrophoresis to analyse the blood samples which were collected as part of the Forensics course on Monday night. We set up the gels by pipetting the blood samples then running the electricity through the gel for an hour. While that was running we went over PCR (polymerase chain reaction), which was extremely relevant considering it is how samples are analysed for Covid-19. We had discussions about CRISPR and ethics of Genetically Modified Organisms, it was interesting to think about the regulations in NZ- as NZ is not allowed to manipulate genetics using CRISPR but can be manipulated using uncontrolled methods like radiation and chemical mutagens. This will be really helpful as a context for level 3. They also discussed other areas of interest, such as food fraud and biosecurity. We also did a microscope competition using the Fruit Fly Genetics Guide. We had to identify various mutations (eyes, wings, colour), it was really interesting to see all of the different mutations and combinations of them. Jess and I won the competition and got Genetics takeaway cups :) :) 

The Genetics department also talked to us about their Genetics on the Go kits which they send anywhere in NZ for free! These kits include Gel Electrophoresis kits with modules for Murder Mysteries, Inheritance- these would be awesome to work into a forensics project, and for year 10/11 genetics. They also have kits for skulls for human evolution. 

In the evening we had an hour talk by Dr Carrie Ankerstein on "Teaching to the Times". Carrie was well known for her Lockdown Lecture series for the University, where she used cartoon (bitmoji) and music to make her online lectures engaging. It was great to see some ideas for how to improve presentations, and seeing some of the literature that supported what Carrie was doing. She also explained a bunch of tools on powerpoint to make her videos. This could be a way to make mine instead of screencastify.