Microarray introduction
Explain how a microarray uses hybridization to test many genes at once and where it differs from PCR.
Three-row method comparison table (PCR, gel, microarray) plus one sentence on a microarray limit not shared by the other two methods.
- 1Do thisExplain how a microarray uses hybridization to test many genes at once and where it differs from PCR.
- 2Use this resource
- 3Submit thisVocabulary task: Three-row method comparison table (PCR, gel, microarray) plus one sentence on a microarray limit not shared by the other two methods.
- 4Submit it here
- 1CMSD website. Go to clevelandmetroschools.org and click the Clever button.
- 2Clever. Clever opens. Sign in if it asks.
- 3Microsoft (district) login. Use your district Microsoft account (the one for school).
- 4Schoology. Open Schoology, then your class, then Assignments, and find the file named below.
The file to submit is named: Genetics of Disease (Medical Interventions) › PCR, restriction enzymes, electrophoresis, microarrays, and the limits of each method. › Vocabulary taskOpen Schoology
- CER:
- Claim, Evidence, Reasoning — make a claim, back it with evidence, explain your reasoning.
- SOP:
- Standard Operating Procedure — the exact steps to follow (especially in a lab).
- Tracker:
- Your PLTW progress log where you record completed evidence.
- myPLTW:
- The PLTW course site where you do the online activities — you open it through Schoology.
Minute-by-minute · 80-minute block
💡 Big idea: How does a chip the size of a postage stamp test thousands of genes simultaneously?
- 0-8Hook: microarray image; introduce hybridization concept
- 8-25Define hybridization; explain spot color as expression signal
- 25-50Build comparison table: PCR, gel, microarray (purpose, scale, limit, output)
- 50-65Write one limit of microarrays not shared by PCR or gel
- 65-75Partner quiz: cover one column; name the method from description
- 75-80Submit comparison table to course shell; review for Friday quiz
- • Hook: Show a microarray image and ask: how many tests do you think this represents? (answer: tens of thousands).
- • Why it matters: Microarrays accelerated cancer genomics by shifting from one-gene-at-a-time to genome-wide profiling.
- • Today's work: You build a comparison table that will be your study reference for Friday's quiz.
- • Exit goal: Method comparison table with one microarray limit submitted before the bell.
- 1Define hybridization and explain how a labeled sample binds to spots on a microarray.
- 2Describe what a colored spot versus a dark spot tells you about a gene.
- 3Compare in one row each: PCR, gel, and microarray, listing what each method is best for.
- 4Write one limit of microarrays that gel or PCR does not share.
- 5Submit your method comparison as your daily evidence.
- • You'll be able to explain how a microarray reads many genes by hybridization.
- • You'll be able to compare PCR, gel, and microarray by purpose and limit.
- • Microarray hybridization: fluorescently labeled cDNA from a sample binds to complementary probe sequences on the chip; fluorescence indicates which genes are expressed.
- • A bright spot means the gene is expressed (mRNA present in sample); a dark spot means little or no expression.
- • Microarrays survey thousands of genes at once but require specialized equipment and bioinformatics; PCR is targeted and gel is the readout, not a scanner.
Your PLTW work today
PCR, restriction enzymes, electrophoresis, microarrays, and the limits of each method. · Microarray introduction
Day 4 of this lesson. Open this exact section in myPLTW (reached through Schoology), then do the work below.
Do this: Open Activity 3.1.4 DNA Microarray in myPLTW and build your PCR-gel-microarray method comparison table.
Mark the microarray activity complete after your comparison table is submitted.
Gel data table should be done (Wednesday); method comparison table due today.
Three-row method comparison table submitted in the course shell.
All PLTW activities are completed inside the PLTW course environment — this page only gives direction. Submit producibles on Schoology.
Today's PLTW tracker
Check things off as you work, then submit. This tells Mr. Mendoza how you're doing so he can help the class. It does not replace turning in your producible on Schoology.
Use the code Mr. Mendoza gave you, not your name. Saved on this device.
PCR, restriction enzymes, electrophoresis, microarrays, and the limits of each method. · Microarray introduction
Open Activity 3.1.4 DNA Microarray in myPLTW and build your PCR-gel-microarray method comparison table.
Gel data table should be done (Wednesday); method comparison table due today.
This is how Mr. Mendoza sees the class keeping pace with PLTW. Be honest, it only helps if it is accurate.
🎯 Explain how a microarray uses hybridization to test many genes at once and where it differs from PCR.
- Define hybridization and explain how a labeled sample binds to spots on a microarray.
- Describe what a colored spot versus a dark spot tells you about a gene.
- Compare in one row each: PCR, gel, and microarray, listing what each method is best for.
- Write one limit of microarrays that gel or PCR does not share.
- Submit your method comparison as your daily evidence.
Vocabulary task: Three-row method comparison table (PCR, gel, microarray) plus one sentence on a microarray limit not shared by the other two methods.
Submit on SchoologyUpload by 11:29 PM for full credit.
| Task | Who |
|---|---|
| Define hybridization and explain how a labeled sample binds to spots on a microarray. | _______ |
| Describe what a colored spot versus a dark spot tells you about a gene. | _______ |
| Compare in one row each: PCR, gel, and microarray, listing what each method is best for. | _______ |
| Write one limit of microarrays that gel or PCR does not share. | _______ |
| Submit your method comparison as your daily evidence. | _______ |
Working solo? Put your own name in "Who" for every row.
- You'll be able to explain how a microarray reads many genes by hybridization.
- You'll be able to compare PCR, gel, and microarray by purpose and limit.
Teacher-posted resources
Classroom documents for this lesson. Ones marked “Open the file” open right here; the rest are posted in Schoology. Use the label on each card to choose the right move.
Open this when the class reaches this activity and use it to complete the required lesson artifact.
Placement rationale
Matched PCR, gel electrophoresis, microarrays by path:Medical-Interventions/Unit-2_How-to-Screen-Your-Genes/2.1_Genetic-Testing-and-Screening; keywords:pcr, gel electrophoresis. Score 142. Visibility: student-schoology (student-facing resource; link through Schoology rather than local path).
Use this if you were absent, got stuck, or need another pass before you submit the lesson artifact.
Placement rationale
Matched PCR, gel electrophoresis, microarrays by path:Medical-Interventions/Unit-2_How-to-Screen-Your-Genes/00_Unit-Overview; keywords:pcr, gel electrophoresis. Score 138. Visibility: student-schoology (student-facing resource; link through Schoology rather than local path).
Use this after the required lesson work when you are ready for a harder application or a deeper connection.
Placement rationale
Matched PCR, gel electrophoresis, microarrays by path:Medical-Interventions/Unit-2_How-to-Screen-Your-Genes/2.1_Genetic-Testing-and-Screening; keywords:gel electrophoresis. Score 134. Visibility: student-schoology (student-facing resource; link through Schoology rather than local path).
How to get there: open the CMSD website, click Clever, sign in with your Microsoft (district) account, then open Schoology from Clever.
Lab & supplies
WebXam practice
Cumulative WebXam review
A quick mixed-review pulling questions from earlier units plus today, so the WebXam material stays fresh.
Where this leads — careers
What today's skills lead to. These are real health-science careers this course builds toward. Tap one to see, on the US Department of Labor's O*NET site, what the job actually involves, what it pays, and how fast it is growing.
What to do if you were absent
Today is individual PLTW work, so do exactly what we did in class, from home: complete the same PLTW target above, then submit your Vocabulary task.
Open Schoology (CMSD) and keep goingHow to get there: open the CMSD website, click Clever, sign in with your Microsoft (district) account, then open Schoology from Clever.
Class still runs. Complete the online activity above (it's self-guided). Need the concept taught without a teacher? Use this authoritative explainer:
Genetic Science Learning Center: Gel ElectrophoresisOptional extra credit (async)
You've passed Unit 2, so the optional extra-credit track is open. Complete reserved-unit work from home (virtual labs included) for extra credit, all submitted on Schoology.
Open the extra-credit track- CompleteEvery required part of the artifact is present, nothing left blank.
- AccurateThe science and the data are correct and match the evidence.
- Scientific reasoningYou explain your claim with evidence and reasoning (CER), not just an answer.
- Professional communicationClear, organized, labeled, and written the way a clinician or scientist would.
- SubmittedTurned in the right way (Schoology for routine work) and confirmed.
Drop your Fri, Oct 23, 2026 · Microarray introduction here. Use a clear file name (your initials + project). Routine work still goes to Schoology (via the CMSD portal).
Upload a project