Free classroom resources for teaching PCR

PCR is a cornerstone of modern biotechnology, yet it can feel abstract to students encountering it for the first time. Interactive lessons, visual explanations, and relatable lab stories can help transform a tricky topic into an intuitive one.

To support teachers bringing PCR into their biology classrooms, we’ve collected four free, student-friendly resources that make this essential technique engaging and accessible.

1. Microbe Hunters Digital Lab: A space-based PCR investigation

Microbe Hunters Digital is a 45-minute virtual lab that places students aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their mission: use PCR and gel electrophoresis to detect potentially harmful bacterial stowaways before astronauts become sick.

Students identify bacteria growing aboard the International Space Station.

As they work through this challenge, students learn how PCR amplifies DNA, why gel electrophoresis separates fragments, and how both techniques are used to identify unknown microbes.

Key features include:

• Interactive animations that reveal the molecular mechanisms behind PCR and gel electrophoresis
• Immersive narration by astronauts and lab scientists
• Auto-graded assessments
• Completely free to access

Learn more about Microbe Hunters.

This digital investigation can stand alone or serve as a powerful companion to the Microbe Hunters Learning Lab™ hands-on kit - perfect for pre-lab preparation or as a substitute when hands-on tools aren’t available.

2. “What is PCR?” video: A concise, student-friendly introduction

This brief explainer breaks down PCR clearly and visually, making it an excellent warm-up before a lab or simulation. Students see how PCR copies DNA and why amplification is essential to biotechnology.

Use it as a primer before a Digital Lab, or as a standalone resource to introduce the concept of DNA amplification.

3. Introduction to PCR reading

This short reading provides a clear, approachable overview of PCR, perfect for building background knowledge or reinforcing key ideas after the video. It explains why PCR is used, walks students through the steps of the PCR cycle, and describes how temperature changes drive the reaction.

Download the reading here.

Because it’s brief and student-friendly, this reading pairs well with homework assignments, pre-lab work, or quick classroom review.

4. PCR Basics Worksheet

Designed to accompany the “What is PCR?” video, this worksheet helps students check their understanding through guided questions. It prompts students to connect what they saw in the animation to how PCR actually works in the lab.

Check for understanding with the PCR Basics Worksheet.

Download the PCR Basics Worksheet (PDF) here.

Teachers can use it for individual practice, as an exit ticket, or as an assessment following the Microbe Hunters Digital Lab.

Bring PCR to life for your students

Whether you’re preparing students for hands-on work, teaching asynchronously, or introducing them to DNA amplification for the first time, these resources can make PCR more visual, relatable, and fun.

Ready to explore Microbe Hunters? Register your free miniPCR Digital account for full access to our expanding library of digital biotechnology labs.