Today, 4/25, is national DNA day! This is a day to commemorate the successful completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, as well as the discovery in 1953 of DNA’s double helix. National DNA Day is a way to celebrate the newest advances in genomic research, and educate people about these advances.

To help celebrate DNA Day, the SIUE STEM Center has created a list of activities to do at home or school and learn about DNA.

• Make a model of DNA! This can be done with candy, pipe cleaners, etc.! Visit this website to find different ways to make DNA models.
• Watch this video to learn how to create an origami DNA double helix structure.
• Make edible DNA by following along with this activity.
• Visit this website to learn about researching and assembling a Salmonella genome.
• Make a DNA sequence bracelet to replicate complementary base pairing. More instructions can be found here.
• Learn how to extract DNA from a strawberry by following these instructions.
• Investigate physical characteristics to consider if they are a result of differences in the DNA code by visiting this website.
• Visit the STEM Center to view a coloring book on DNA, or see what other resources we have available for lending!

What other activities are you doing to celebrate DNA Day?