Top End scientists bring DNA workshops to 18 remote schools
Two molecular scientists have taken hi-tech DNA laboratory techniques to some of Australia’s most remote classrooms to help create the next generation of biosecurity defenders – here’s why
READING LEVEL: ORANGE
Top marks go to two Top End scientists after students in some of Australia’s most remote locations were treated to biosecurity* bootcamps.
The mobile DNA* labs were led by the Northern Territory’s 2025 Superstar of STEM* and molecular* biosecurity scientist, Dr Sonu Yadav, and molecular scientist Dr Asha Tonkin-Reeves. To date, the pair has run more than 25 hands-on science workshops across 18 schools in Far North Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory as part of the Community Science Project.
Funded by the Australian Government through the Northern Australia Biosecurity Strategy (NABS), the project works with remote schools and Indigenous communities to build awareness of molecular science, technology and biosecurity.
It also aims to detect pest species by collecting molecular data, while strengthening long-term partnerships with Indigenous communities through two-way learning.
“Strong biosecurity protects Australia’s agriculture and livestock* industries, the environment, and, by extension, the nation’s economy, culture and way of life from the threat of harmful organisms*,” Dr Tonkin-Reeves said.
Dr Yadav said that biosecurity threats were increasing due to global travel and trade.
“Prevention and eradicating* these threats is everyone’s responsibility,” she said. “Collaborative, informed, and engaged communities are critical to monitoring and surveillance* activities and support early detection of harmful pests and pathogens*.”
At Purnululu School in WA, students set their own insect traps, observed insects under microscopes, learned how DNA makes up all living things and used equipment to extract and visualise DNA.
On the Tiwi Islands, students at Xavier Catholic College in Wurrumiyanga learned how molecular biology is used to identify insects harmful to native plants and animals.
With the help of rangers and Elders, they trapped insects, observed them under microscopes, and extracted DNA, transferring the mixture to agarose* gel.
The size of the DNA in the gel can indicate whether an insect is native or a pest.
Dr Yadav and Dr Tonkin-Reeves will be in Central Australia this month bringing their science roadshow to more remote schools and communities.
“Each school visit has been unique, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, teachers, Elders, and ranger groups,” Dr Yadav said. “Students are inspired to become scientists and eager to learn more about invasive species.”
POLL
GLOSSARY
- biosecurity: actions taken to prevent dangerous diseases, bacteria or other harmful organisms from spreading
- DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid, the chemical present at the centre of the cells of living things that controls the structure and function of each cell
- STEM: abbreviation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics as related subjects of study
- molecular: relating to molecules, extremely small particles that are the smallest units of a chemical compound
- livestock: animals and birds that are kept on a farm, such as cows, sheep, or chickens
- organisms: animals or plants, especially ones that are so small that you cannot see them without using a microscope
- eradicating: eliminating, getting rid of something completely or destroying something bad
- pathogens: any small organism, such as a virus or a bacterium that can cause disease
- agarose: a gelatinous substance derived from red marine algae (agar-agar), used to solidify bacterial cultures and to thicken foods
EXTRA READING
Wolf pup clones: is this ‘de-extinction’?
Rapid response as red fire ants breach border
QUICK QUIZ
- How many workshops in how many remote schools have the scientists run so far?
- What does strong biosecurity protect in Australia, according to Dr Tonkin-Reeves?
- What did students at the Purnululu School in WA do during their workshop?
- What did students at Xavier Catholic College in Wurrumiyanga do with the help of rangers and Elders?
- Dr Yadav said that biosecurity threats were increasing due to what factors?
LISTEN TO THIS STORY
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. News: condensed
Identify the most important pieces of information in this article and write a condensed version of it using 50 words or less.
Draw a picture or diagram to support your condensed news story.
Time: allow 25 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Science
2. Extension
Compare your condensed news story with a classmate. Did you both include the same information or are your stories quite different? Discuss your choices and then work together to create a final condensed version of the story that you both agree tells the important parts that a reader would need or want to know.
Time: allow 20 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English
VCOP ACTIVITY
Wow word recycle
There are plenty of wow words (ambitious pieces of vocabulary) being used in the article. Some are in the glossary, but there might be extra ones from the article that you think are exceptional as well.
Identify all the words in the article that you think are not common words, and particularly good choices for the writer to have chosen.
Select three words you have highlighted to recycle into your own sentences.
If any of the words you identified are not in the glossary, write up your own glossary for them.
Extension
Find a bland sentence from the article to up-level. Can you add more detail and description? Can you replace any base words with more specific synonyms?
Down-level for a younger audience. Find a sentence in the article that is high level. Now rewrite it for a younger audience so they can understand the words without using the glossary.