We believe biotechnology education should be hands-on, inspiring, and accessible. We collaborate closely with educators around the world to bring molecular biology into the classroom — enabling students to run real PCR experiments, explore DNA, and build confidence through active learning. Together, we’re shaping the next generation of scientists.
Advice for Educators and Classrooms
Explore practical ideas, classroom stories, and tools to bring biotechnology into your teaching — from high school to undergrad labs.
Molecular techniques are so fundamental. If students can’t even say ‘I’ve run a gel before,’ then they’re behind the curve. We want them to feel the little air bubble as you load your gel, and what it feels like if you push the micropipette too fast.
Teaching Resources and Ideas
To support you in bringing biotechnology into your classroom, we are building a collection of practical teaching resources. You’ll find activity ideas rooted in real-world challenges, tips for running PCR experiments with students, and examples of how other teachers are integrating molecular techniques into their lessons. Whether you’re designing a new course or refreshing your lab sessions, these articles aim to inspire and guide your curriculum planning.
Stories and Inspiration from Other Educators
Curious how others are bringing molecular biology and biotechnology to life in the classroom and beyond? These stories highlight the creativity and variety of ways teachers are introducing molecular biology through hands-on, real-world investigations. From highschool classrooms, to university labs, to fieldwork in nature reserves, educators are finding new ways to engage students with the tools of modern science — and sharing the impact it’s having on their learners.
UGenie, Ulster University
CRISPR Summer School
This summer school at Ulster University is giving Year 13 students a chance to run real CRISPR experiments and explore biotech careers.
Inside Ulster’s Gene Editing Academy
University of North Dakota
From Virtual Labs to Hands-On Learning
Dr Monica Norby transformed undergraduate microbiology labs by replacing virtual lessons with hands-on investigations based on real world challenges.
From Virtual Labs to Hands-On Learning
BeeCode Berlin
Exploring the genetic diversity of honeybees
BeeCode are sequencing and identifying honeybee subspecies in Berlin’s urban areas to promote biodiversity and sustainable beekeeping practices.
DNA Barcoding of Honeybees
Noah Bryan, Bayview Secondary School
Rapid Water Quality Testing
Noah Bryan, a high school student from Bayview Secondary School in Ontario, has developed a groundbreaking portable water testing kit under the supervision of Dr Lawrence Goodridge at the University of Guelph.
Rapid Water Testing with Portable Technology
Elizabeth Duncan, University of Leeds
Protecting desert bees
Dr Elizabeth Duncan and her colleagues took a group of 40 students for a Mediterranean Ecology field trip. The students used Bento Lab to look for parasite infections in bees.
Protecting desert bees: identifying Nosema infections in honey bees
Stephane Boyer, Unitec, New Zealand
Hands-on molecular analysis for every student
Stephane Boyer uses Bento Lab to teach molecular biology to students interested in biodiversity. His biodiversity research often takes him to remote places to collect DNA samples.
Biodiversity Research and Hands-on Teaching
Dr Karl Perron, BiOutils, University of Geneva
BiOutils: biology in every classroom
BiOutils provide teaching materials and know-how to secondary schools in Geneva. Using Bento Lab, they are enabling every student to experience modern experimental biology in their classrooms.
BiOutils DNA Barcoding Protocols [fr]Talk to us about teaching biotech
Want help planning your own biotechnology lesson? Our team is happy to chat – just reach out.
FAQ
What is biotechnology education, and why is it important to teach?
Biotechnology education introduces students to techniques like DNA extraction, PCR, and genetic analysis — skills used in research, medicine, and environmental science. Teaching biotech helps students connect science to real-world challenges in health, agriculture, and conservation, while developing critical thinking and lab skills.
What experiments can students do to learn molecular biology and genetics?
Popular classroom-friendly experiments include:
- DNA extraction (from cheek cells, strawberries, etc.)
- PCR amplification of a barcode gene like CO1 or rbcL
- Gel electrophoresis to visualize DNA
- DNA barcoding to identify species from plants, fungi, or invertebrates
These activities link molecular techniques to biodiversity, food safety, or health topics.
Explore our DNA Analysis Projects for step-by-step classroom protocols using Bento Lab.
Is it possible to teach biotechnology practicals without a fully equipped lab?
Yes — many schools and colleges teach biotechnology using small lab setups like Bento Lab. Our equipment includes the essentials (PCR, centrifuge, electrophoresis) in one compact unit, making it easier to run experiments in classrooms, workshops, or even in the field. We also offer experiment kits and guides designed for these settings.
