HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS
THE DNA FILES BASICS-PLUS WORKSHOP:
A customizable introductory genetics workshop
The DNA Files Basics-Plus Workshop can be adapted for one-day or weekend programs in museums, libraries, and other informal science learning contexts. Start with The DNA Files Basics Workshop , focusing on building a DNA model, extracting and examining DNA from wheat germ cells, and exploring how DNA encodes information for building complete organisms. Then add additional activities to create three customized genetics workshops.
The DNA Files Basics Workshop
What is DNA, and what does it do? This introductory workshop includes building a DNA model, extracting and examining DNA from wheat germ cells, and exploring how DNA encodes information for building complete organisms.
Downloads:
Presenter Script & Activity Instructions (workshop_basics.pdf)
Picture of DNA—poster size (dna_pic_poster.pdf)
Picture of DNA—letter size (dna_pic_ltr.pdf)
DNA Model kits—color (dna_model.pdf)
DNA Model kits—black & white (dna_model_gray.pdf)
Download these materials to prepare all three customizations of The DNA Files Basics Workshop :
Download these materials to support specific activities for different customizations:
Option 1: The DNA Files Basics-Plus Evolution
These additional activities introduce concepts of natural selection and genetic drift and explore how organisms change over time.
Downloads:
Option 2: The DNA Files Basics-Plus Comparing DNA
These additional activities focus on similarities between the DNA of different creatures.
Downloads:
Option 3: The DNA Files Basics-Plus Genetics of Climate Change
These additional activities help learners explore how global warming affects an organism’s environment, DNA, and behavior.
No downloads required
