HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS
THE DNA FILES WORKSHOP SERIES:
A four-session introductory course in genetics
The DNA Files Workshop Series is a chance to explore DNA in depth. Each workshop builds on the previous workshop, developing and underscoring DNA’s affect on all aspects of our world.
About The DNA Files Workshop Series:
- Broken into four workshops: Introduction to DNA , Evolution , Comparing DNA , and the Genetics of Climate Change. a
- Recommended schedule is one-workshop per week for a month.
- Roughly 1 hour long.
- Can accommodate 20–30 participants.
- Filled with hands-on activities and based on current science.
- For use in informal education environments, for example museums, after school programs, home schools, or libraries.
- No prior knowledge about DNA is required for the educator or the participants; the workshops can be taught by non-scientists.
- Suitable for two audience demographics: 5th-7th graders or families. With families, children as young as 7 can participate in the workshops.
- Fully downloadable, including detailed teacher’s guide, materials list, and graphics.
Workshop #1: Introduction to DNA
What is DNA, and what does it do? Participants will build a DNA model, extract and examine DNA from wheat germ cells, and explore how DNA encodes information for building complete organisms.
Workshop #2: Evolution
How do creatures evolve? What role does DNA play in evolution? Participants will learn the concepts of genetic mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift.
Materials List (Evolution_materials_series.pdf)
Instruction Hunt activity sheets (instruction_hunt.pdf)
Moth pictures on light background—poster size (moths_light_poster.pdf)
Moth pictures on light background—letter size (moths_light_ltr.pdf)
Moth pictures on dark background—poster size (moths_dark_poster.pdf)
Moth pictures on dark background—letter size (moths_dark_ltr.pdf)
Workshop #3: Comparing DNA
Scientists can now “map” an organism’s genome. This workshop illustrates what we can learn about ourselves from comparing our DNA to that of other creatures.
Materials (Comparing_materials_series.pdf)
Sneacher Valley “before” poster (valley_before_poster.pdf)
Sneacher Valley “before” poster—letter size (valley_before_ltr.pdf)
Sneacher Valley “after” poster (valley_after_poster.pdf)
Sneacher Valley “after” poster—letter size (valley_after_ltr.pdf)
Compare/Contrast chart (compare_chart_poster.pdf)
Compare/Contrast chart—letter size (compare_chart_ltr.pdf)
Magnetic DNA sequence strips—black & white (dna_seq_strip_gray.pdf)
Magnetic DNA sequence strips—color (dna_seq_strip.pdf)
Base spinners—black & white (spinner_gray.pdf)
Base spinners—color (spinner.pdf)
Additional magnetic bases (addt_bases.pdf)
DNA sequence comparison worksheet (dna_sequence_comp.pdf)
Workshop 4: The Genetics of Climate Change
How does a creature’s DNA adapt to a changing world? This workshop focuses on the basics of climate change and how global warming affects the adaptation of organisms to their environments.
