Gentechnik unmittelbar erleben: „BioTech mobil”︁ und „Science live”︁

The projects „BioTech mobil”︁ and „Science live”︁, initiated by the Bavarian State Government and by the German Ministry for Education and Research, espectively, inform the public about the basis, methods and applications of modern biotechnology and genetics in medicine, agriculture, food production and environmental protection. The central element of each project is a Roadshow Truck, fully equipped as modern genetic laboratory. Each truck is accompanied by three biologists with a doctor's degree. One focus group of the projects are highschool students, who have the opportunity to achieve practical skills in molecular genetics. Isolation of genomic DNA and plasmids, amplification of DNA‐stretches via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis are taught. For most schools, the trucks offer a peculiar chance to implement practical learning possibilities for the students.