Coronavirus DNA Test 3-D Model Making Kit

Show how the DNA test for coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causing COVID-19 works.

Models are powerful tools for teaching science because they provide useful simplifications of structures and processes, helping to make the unseen seen and the complex simple.  

It is important to be able to detect who has the coronavirus so they can be treated correctly and isolated from other people. A very sensitive real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based DNA test is used to check people to see if they have the virus. It can even detect viral infection before someone shows symptoms or in asymptomatic people.

Our model of the DNA test for coronavirus shows how a reverse transcriptase enzyme is first used to convert RNA to DNA. Then the real time PCR test is carried out using a different enzyme called Taq DNA polymerase. Finally fluorescent dyes are used to visualise the result. Both positive and negative results are covered by our model.

The model covers real time PCR, reverse transcriptase, fluorescent dyes, DNA primers, DNase and RNase.

The Coronavirus Life Cylcle 3-D Model Making Kit includes enough materials for students to assemble up to 5 paper models working cooperatively. The comprehensive Teacher Resource Guide included, also provides teaching opportunities for students to Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend and Evaluate their understanding of the concepts presented.