DNA Day - CT Afterschool Network

Every year on April 25 since 2003, scientists, biologists, and genetics enthusiasts come together to observe National DNA Day, celebrating the discovery and research into DNA and the scientific advancements that helped make progress possible.

Early Access to Free DNA Kits to Celebrate DNA Day! Order your very own DNA extraction kit. Limited Supplies. Code: Million Girls Moonshot

Resources

23 and Me Educator Resources – Find a list of picture books on DNA and more information about the 23andMe Education Program, which is designed to support and advanced genetics education. By joining the community, educators and students will receive important updates from the 23andMe Education team about new educational resources, events, programs, and opportunities to engage with 23andMe.
The Future is Bright – DNA Day
Virtual Lab Simulation
Virtual Field trip – Genomics Decoding the Language of Life
Boston College Bioengineering Curriculum Resources – CRISPEE is a tangible tool for young children ages 5-8 to explore the metaphor of a coding language for living organisms.

Activities

Make a candy DNA model! Check out this activity guide on how to make a scientifically accurate model with sweets: https://bit.ly/3lmaihw
DNA is the code of life for nearly all living organisms. Check out these easy activities to learn more about DNA and the genomics industry throughout April! http://bit.ly/3yNh96J
Do you want a fun activity to showcase how genes pass down traits? Try out this student activity on investigating alien genetics: https://bit.ly/3FjRtST
What makes a perfect tomato? Farmers have been using genetic engineering for centuries. Learn more about what that means in this lesson: https://bit.ly/3JCkgov
Did you know that the seaweed you’ve seen in the ocean or even eaten as a snack is inspiring innovators to imagine new materials? Your students can make string from algae in this activity: https://bit.ly/404tbEy
In this lesson for grades 5-7 students work through an example showing how DNA provides the “recipe” for making human body proteins. They see how the pattern of nucleotide bases (adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine) forms the double helix ladder shape of DNA and serves as the code for the steps required to make genes. Students extend their knowledge by conducting the associated activities to learn ways that engineers and scientists are applying their understanding of DNA in our world. Teach Engineering Lesson Plan: DNA

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