Bacterial ID Virtual Lab
Version: 1.2
Publisher: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Target Audience:
High School Biology Students
Type of Software: Discovery Learning: This site lets your students explore the basics of
bacterial identification using virtual DNA sequences obtained via PCR.
Curriculum: Appropriate for high school biology students, but also appropriate for 5th
grade and up as most laboratory accessories are available for students starting in the 5th grade.
Possible Environment: This app would be great used for small group or individual use
in the classroom.
Supplements:
Cost:
Free
None
This app allows students to familiarize themselves with the science and techniques used
to identify different types of bacteria based on DNA sequencing. This app allows students to:
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Prepare a sample from a patient and isolate whole bacterial DNA
Make copies of the DNA
Sequence the DNA
Analyze the sequence and identify the bacteria
We enjoyed that this game was so realistic. It even came with instructions to replicate the
experiment on your own. The only problem with that is that you would have to have the very
expensive equipment to complete it with. Otherwise, everything about this app was great.
Navigation was very easy and it was nearly impossible for students to get lost throughout the
app. The step by step instructions, including labeling everything to click on, made it very
efficient. It was a great app and would be enjoyable to students to play around with in their “free
time”.
The software passed.