Biotechnology Projects for Young Scientists

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-This remarkable collection of advanced science projects is tailor-made for truly adventurous, determined experimenters. The authors explain the field, describing not only the research topics involved but also providing examples of courtroom, food, environmental, and industrial applications. Even the controversial side of genetic testing is briefly discussed. However, it's the experiments that are really impressive here. The two most demanding involve extracting DNA from onions and cloning carrots. However, some of the instructions and cautions are not clearly worded; for example, one project involves growing a strain of bacteria while instructions for another warn readers that the purchase of this bacteria is carefully monitored. The black-and-white diagrams generally clarify the procedural steps. Lists of needed materials along with a list of suppliers are included. Overall, a good source for students looking for a challenge.-Jeffrey A. French, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, OH