Brooke N. Wolford, PhD

Brooke N. Wolford, PhD

Statistical Geneticist at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology

STEM Education

DNA Extraction For Elementary Ages

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Through my Skype A Scientist match in April 2021, I prepared materials for a Zoom session with a Cub Scout group of 1st-5th graders. We did DNA extraction from a strawberry, which exists in many forms on the internet. I tried to create an ingredient and equipment list that was as flexible as possible, so that parents wouldn’t need to buy custom materials. The experiment needs some adults on hand, especially to read the instructions when on the lower range of elementary ages. A demonsration is optimal, and works fine virtually. Read more

Digital DNA Day

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National DNA Day commemorates the successful completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the discovery of DNA’s double helix in 1953. Since many in-person DNA Day celebrations are moving online, I’m hosting this compilation of educational resources to celebrate Digital DNA Day: April 25, 2020. This list has something for students of all ages, parents, and educators. Detailed resource summaries are primarily by Audrey Drotos, and this list was compiled with help from Dr. Christina Vallianatos. We note the best places to start for DNA novices with a Start here!. Read more

Genetics & Heredity for K-12

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I am available for K-12 science education in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area and in the Piedmont region of North Carolina (schedule permitting) free of charge. I have experience with public school classrooms, Science Olympiad teams, and Girl and Boy Scout Troops. I specialize in genetics and inheritance and will work with you to create a lesson that fits state and Common Core standards. If you are an educator in need of a science lesson to supplement your curriculum, please reach out. I’m making some of my educational resources available below with target audiences. Read more

Seeds Pre-School Environmental Science Education

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In the summers of 2012 and 2013 I led Quaker Lake Camp’s Seeds Program, an environmental education program for preschoolers. I developed three hours of curriculum surrounding science themes including weather, metamorphosis, and astronomy for our weekly day-camps. I created a blog to document our learning experiences. Read more