The Use of Inquiry-Based Activities with Caenorhabditis elegans to Enable Students to Learn about UV Radiation

Abstract

In traditional microbiology laboratory activities, different strains of bacteria are exposed to UV radiation for varying lengths of time. This article provides information that expands on these activities (or uses them alone) with Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism with which to study the effects of UV radiation. These activities might be used in an introductory class to teach students the basics of working with C. elegans. In cell biology and microbiology classes, students might learn about how UV radiation can damage cells and cause cancer. These activities can also be used to teach the students about how genetic background can affect the sensitivity to UV radiation. In the laboratory, the students design their own activities by altering the parameters of the basic UV radiation experiment. By performing these laboratory activities, students will learn about UV radiation and about all parts of the scientific process.