[DIYbio] Re: Suggestions for new school lab DIYBio

I think the barcoding is perfect for the students. It's simple, cheap and very motivating. It also allows to obtain real scientific data, which are then incorporated into the NBCI. 
I am doing it with my students in Spain and they are enjoying it a lot

I am trying to advise a local High School here in Canada on a series of basic DNA/genetics experiments. I will help them set up a full lab (except for -80 freezer) as I have most of the stuff already in my garage and may well move it to the School. I would rather share all my equipment with keen students than just do stuff on my own (last year out so). But I have been asked to give some basic experiments. 

I am looking for suggestions beyond and above basic transformation with E Coli or even the basic Odin CRISPR experiment as having done them in my garage they are already on my list for the school. 

After that I am open to suggestions of a practical nature, even if we have to send the odd sample off for sequencing. Any thoughts on practicality of DNA barcoding and how to tackle it?? Might try catching local fish species and extracting DNA and collecting samples for sequencing. Are there reasonable cheap individual sequencing companies--either Canada or USA (but preferably in Canada due to shipping and customs etc).