The New You

1. To understanding cloning technology     
2. To explore the possibility of the resurrection of extinct species. 

Research Questions:     

• What is cloning?     
• How is cloning accomplished?     
• What are the problems currently associated with the cloning process?    

A clone is a genetically exact copy of a single living organism. Back in the day, cloning was the stuff of science fiction stories. From Invasion of the Body Snatchers to Jurassic Park, cloning has held our collective fascination through the years. Nowadays, cloning has been accomplished on a variety of animals under controlled laboratory conditions. However, cloning has its drawbacks. In this project you will devise an argument for or against the possibility of cloning an extinct species back to life.

Materials:

• Computer with Internet access     
• Color printer     
• Digital camera     
• Typical office/hobby/hardware/craft supplies (paper, poster board, glue, etc.)

All necessary materials can be found in or around your home, at local stores, or on ebay.

Experimental Procedure:     

1. Read overview of relevant topics (see bibliography below and terms listed above)     
2. Address all of the above terms and research questions.     
3. Search and print out interesting images relevant to your topic.   
4. Take photographs throughout the course of the experiment.     
5. Devise a plausible scientific argument for or against the possibility of resurrecting extinct species through DNA manipulation.
6. Analyze your data.     
7. Interpret your findings in a detailed report.     
8. Include interesting photos, diagrams and models in your science fair display.  

Terms/Concepts: Cloning; DNA

References:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloning_Extinct_Species  (Overview on cloning)    
• http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/mole00/mole00804.htm  (questions and answers on DNA and the resurrection of extinct species)     
• Internet searches of your choosing.  Search words or terms listed here, or make up your own phrases.  Click on any results you find interesting.  Have fun surfing the net!