Amgen-Bruce Wallace Biotechnology Laboratory

For the 3rd year, students from Arcadia’s Barnhart Middle School will be participating in the Amgen – Bruce Wallace Biotechnology Lab Program, an outreach program that excites students about the wonders of scientific discovery. 

Funded by the Amgen Foundation in collaboration with the Foundation for Pierce College and the Los Angeles / Orange County Biotechnology Center, the program was designed to promote scientific literacy and inquiry.  It introduces students to cutting edge biotechnology techniques and labs that are used by biotechnology firms, agricultural companies and crime scene investigators. 

The program gives students hands on experience with advanced scientific equipment like digital micropipettes and gel electrophoresis chambers, which separate DNA fragments according to size.  The student’s labs will parallel work that has earned Nobel Prizes for prominent scientists.  In one of the labs, students will attempt to find a specific location in their own DNA.  This location helps to make tPA, a protein used in dissolving blood clots.  The protein is administered to heart attack victims to reduce the incidence of strokes.  The students will do this using PCR, a molecular biology technique.

Barnhart is one of two middle schools in Los Angeles County participating in the program that is typically introduced at the high school level.   Barnhart science teacher Grace Montgomery says, “The kids love the hands on lab experience; it’s a fantastic addition to the school curriculum.  Many students come back from high school and tell us they were the only ones who knew what a micropipette was or how small a micro liter was.  They had a great head start on DNA and how it is manipulated.”

Barnhart School is an independent K-8 school located in Arcadia, California that is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS).  Founded in 1958, Barnhart’s mission is to provide an unparalleled educational experience in an atmosphere of caring and respect that fosters intellectual curiosity and a love for learning.  Barnhart’s unique Virtues curriculum embraces ethnic, religious and cultural diversity empowering students to become responsible, caring and committed citizens in their communities. 

For more information on Barnhart School visit www.barnhartschool.org or call 626-446-5588.