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Wētā Watchers
A participatory science project that combines!
Outreach Conservation & Genetics
Stéphane Boyer
sboyer@unitec.ac.nz!
Applied Molecular Solutions research group
Environmental and Animal Science !
Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland NZ
Starring
School students from Bairds Manfreight
Primary School, Rongomai School and
Dawson School
Acknowledgements
Nick Pattison, Sheryl Thompson, Tarayn
Zeier, Sarah Morgan, Victoria Metcalf
2. DNA analysis in schools!
Using the portable BentoLab, students performed DNA!
extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis in their classroom.
3. DNA sequencing!
Real-time DNA sequencing will be performed at Unitec
using the MinION DNA sequencer and classes will Skype in
to observe and ask questions.
1. Wētā activity day
56 little scientists from three South Auckland
schools, eight activities about wētā in 15 min
rotating stations.
!
Plant DNA from wētā poo
Science questions: Where are wētā in urban
environment and what do they feed on?
Method: Install wētā motels in schools and
collect wētā poo for DNA analysis.
Educational aims: Learn about invertebrates,
the concept of DNA and how it is analysed.
Community impact: Inform the design of
wētā-friendly schools.