Exploring DNA and Discovery: Grade 12 Students Experience a Day in the Biotechnology Lab at Fleming College

What’s it really like to complete an experiment in a college science lab? For a group of Grade 12 students who spent a day in Fleming College’s Biotechnology labs, the answer involved extracting their own DNA, learning advanced laboratory techniques, and experiencing first-hand what post-secondary science education can look like.

The Grade 12 Lab Day gave students the opportunity to step into a biotechnology work environment and spend the day exploring the exciting world of DNA, genotyping (analyzing DNA to identify genetic variations), and applied science. Designed for students with an interest in biology, chemistry, and biotechnology, the experience combined hands-on learning with exposure to potential careers.

A Hands-On Biotechnology Experience

During the Lab Day, students completed a full DNA extraction using their own cheek cells. With guidance from Biotechnology faculty and lab staff, students followed professional laboratory protocols while using real scientific equipment, materials, and techniques.

After extracting their DNA, students learned how scientists quantify and qualify DNA samples before moving into the next stage. For many students, this was their first opportunity to learn in a post-secondary lab setting, and it left a strong impression.

One student shared:
“I learned what it felt like to be in a college lab. Getting a glimpse into the feel of post-secondary was very cool for me.”

Other students reflected on the practical skills they developed throughout the workshop:
“I learned how different lab equipment worked, how to use the gels, and was able to practice my pipette skills/precision.”

“Being in a lab environment helped me gain confidence in doing pipetting.”

(Note: Pipetting is the process of measuring, transferring, or dispensing small volumes of liquid using a lab tool called a pipette.)

Through opportunities like this, Fleming helps students connect classroom science concepts to real-world applications and build their confidence while giving high school teachers a unique experiential learning opportunity for their classes.

Students Gain an Understanding of the Science Behind DNA

A major focus of the day at Fleming was introducing students to genotyping, DNA fingerprinting, and DNA analysis, important tools used across many areas of modern science and biotechnology.

Genotyping allows scientists to determine which alleles (genes) are present at a specific location, or locus, in DNA. Since each person inherits one allele from each parent, this process can help create a DNA fingerprint.

DNA fingerprinting plays an important role in many fields, including forensic science, medical research, environmental monitoring, and food safety testing. Students learned that DNA analysis is not limited to humans either. Animal and plant DNA are also studied for purposes such as species identification, wildlife conservation, and border inspection services.

For students considering careers in biotechnology or conservation biology, seeing these concepts applied in a real science lab helped demonstrate how broad and impactful the field can be.

A Glimpse into Science Studies at Fleming College

Beyond the science itself, the Grade 12 Lab Day was designed to help students experience what life can feel like in Fleming’s Biotechnology – Advanced program.

Throughout the day, students completed worksheets, practiced lab techniques, and learned how a college laboratory operates. The goal was not only to teach biotechnology concepts, but also to help students imagine themselves in a future post-secondary setting.

For parents and educators, experiences like this can be incredibly valuable. Spending time at Fleming College’s Sutherland Campus allows students to explore their interests early and start thinking about possible academic and career pathways.

Lab Days like this can help students discover what areas of science excite them most while also introducing them to the expectations and opportunities of post-secondary education.

Students Consider Careers in Biotechnology

The biotechnology industry continues to grow across sectors including healthcare, environmental science, food production, pharmaceuticals, and forensic science, making it an exciting field for students passionate about discovery and innovation.

Grade 12 Lab Day provided students with an opportunity to explore and learn about a wide range of exciting and evolving careers as graduates of the Biotechnology – Advanced program. Many of those opportunities are listed on Fleming’s  Biotechnology – Advanced  program page.

High schools interested in booking a Grade 11 or Grade 12 Lab Day experience, in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, or DNA, can contact Fleming College’s  Biotechnology – Advanced Program Coordinator at btfcoordinator@flemingcollege.ca.  

Students interested in learning more about the Biotechnology – Advanced program can reach out to our Student Recruitment team via e-mail. 

Watch a replay of our Webinar Wednesday video for an in-depth look into the Biotechnology – Advanced program.