Program Overview

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Introduction to RockEDU Science Outreach

The Rockefeller University's RockEDU Science Outreach program aims to connect science and scientists with teachers, students, and classrooms to improve science for all. The program features various resources, including learning resources, science research toolkit, inclusive science outreach, and an incubator blog.

Learning Resources

Each collection of learning resources features materials to know about, show, explore, and relate to an engaging theme for learners and educators. The resources include:

• Featured Resources
  • Beyond the Lab Podcast
  • D4P: Beating Cancer
  • Fruit Fly Behavior
  • Everyday Emulsions
  • What is a Virus, Anyway?
  • Fermentation of Foodstuffs

Science Research Toolkit

The science research toolkit provides resources for budding scientists and their advisors, framing research through inclusive frameworks and practical model systems. The toolkit includes:

• Learn about the Styles of Scientific Reasoning
• Inclusive Outreach

Inclusive Science Outreach

The inclusive science outreach initiative offers resources and initiatives for outreach practitioners and scientists pursuing inclusive, effective science outreach. The featured initiatives include:

• RockEDU Mentorship Handbook
• Continued Learning for Mentors
• Guide to LGBTQIA+ Allyship for Mentors
• In-Reach Infrastructure

Incubator Blog

The incubator blog features conversations about science, including:

• Featured Blog Series
  • Perspectives
  • Student Spotlight
  • BIOME Blurbs
  • Greenhouse
  • SSRP Icons
• Call for Contributions
• About The Incubator

About RockEDU

RockEDU is dedicated to improving science for all by connecting science and scientists with teachers, students, and classrooms. The program provides advice for exploring the site, including resources for teachers, students, scientists, and outreach professionals.

Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) for the Separation of Lipids

Thin layer chromatography (TLC) is a method for separating components in a mixture based on the polarity of the individual components. The technique requires a stationary phase and a mobile phase. The stationary phase consists of a plate coated with an absorbent material, while the mobile phase is a mixture of solvents.

Background

TLC is a tried and true method for separating components in a mixture. The technique can be used to identify each component of the mixture when a standard is included.

Materials

The materials required for TLC include:

• Chemicals
  • Lipid Extract
  • Petroleum Ether
  • Diethyl Ether
  • Glacial Acetic Acid
  • Lipid Standard
  • Resublimed Iodine
• Specialty Equipment
  • Silica-coated TLC plates
  • Whatman Paper "wick"
  • TLC Chamber
  • Pipette Tips or Glass Capillary Tubes
• Lab Equipment
  • Micropipette
  • Hotplate
  • Fume Hood
  • Pencil
  • Lab tape

Safety

The indicated items should be used in a fume hood and handled with the appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves and safety goggles.

Preparation

The TLC chamber should be prepared with the solvent system, and the wick should be pre-cut and inserted into the TLC chamber. The chamber should be allowed to equilibrate for about 10 minutes or more.

Procedure

The procedure for TLC involves:

1. Attaching the TLC plate to the hotplate.
2. Marking the origin of the plate with a pencil and labeling each lane.
3. Spotting the standard in the first lane.
4. Spotting the lipid extract in the designated lanes.
5. Placing the plate into the charged TLC chamber.
6. Securing the lid to the chamber and allowing the plate to develop.
7. Removing the plate from the TLC chamber and marking the solvent front with a pencil.
8. Placing the plate into the iodine chamber for visualization.

Biochemical Deconstruction of an Egg Sandwich

The biochemical deconstruction of an egg sandwich involves understanding the components of the sandwich, including carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.

Carbohydrate Background

The carbohydrate background provides information on the types of carbohydrates present in the egg sandwich.

Lipid Background

The lipid background provides information on the types of lipids present in the egg sandwich.

Protein Background

The protein background provides information on the types of proteins present in the egg sandwich.

Related Resources

The related resources include:

• The Chemistry That Holds Us Together
• Fermentation of Food
• Everyday Emulsions
• Escape the Cell
• Science is LIT
• Beyond Dirt: The Ecosystem Beneath our Feet
• Science Saturday Special: Ants
• What is a Virus, Anyway?
• Virus Hunters