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?