Two children extracting visible DNA from wheat germ in Building with Biology kit

Genetics

A compilation of resources about genetics including DNA, genes, genetic engineering, and synthetic biology. These resources may be useful for incorporating into annual events such as DNA Day and events focused on human health, genetics, and biology.

Activities and Programs

Children exploring Building with Biology DNA activity using pipette

Exploring Structures - DNA

In this activity, learners create a necklace of wheat germ DNA to explore self-assembly

learners and facilitator extract sample with pipette

Building with Biology: See DNA

In this activity focused on synthetic biology, learners extract visible DNA from wheat germ and create necklaces to display their own sample of wheat germ DNA.

Children using Building with Biology kit of parts activity with colored blocks and cards

Building with Biology Kit

Engaging activities and professional development resources to create conversations about the emerging field of synthetic biology and societal implications.

Image of a Synthetic Biology handout with illustrations of how DNA can be edited

Building with Biology reference packet graphics

Building with Biology packet of printable reference sheets on the basics of synthetic biology and related fields of study.

two learners stretch across a large mat that have various icons related to nanotechnology

Exploring Size - StretchAbility

In this activity, learners use a "hands and feet-on" game that explores the different sizes of things in the world.

Facilitator and learners discuss their drawn super organism

Building with Biology: Super Organisms

In this activity focused on synthetic biology, learners use the engineering design process to design a single-celled organism to clean up an oil spill to learn more about synthetic biology.

Two learners place tokens on what technology card they value more

Building with Biology: Tech Tokens

In this activity, learners consider the potential advantages and disadvantages of various areas of synthetic biology research, before investing in them with "tech tokens."

Facilitators and learners building a VirEx delivery container with crafting supplies

Building with Biology: VirEx Delivery

In this activity, learners explore the potential for engineered viruses to deliver beneficial, targeted genetic information to sites throughout the body.

Building with Biology Bio Bistro activity components

Building with Biology: Bio Bistro

In this activity, learners decide what current and future synthetic biology-based food products they would, would not, or might eat.

Building with Biology Kit of Parts activity components

Building with Biology: Kit of Parts

In this activity, learners explore the engineering aspect of synthetic biology by solving challenges through building a model cell.

Forums

Should We Edit the Genome title slide

Should We Edit the Genome? forum

Building with Biology public forum where participants discuss CRISPR technology used to precisely edit DNA, and if we should.

Editing Our Evolution: Rewriting the Human Genome Forum

Building with Biology public forum where participants discuss the future of human genome editing and its societal implications.

Mosquito up close on human hand

Should We Engineer the Mosquito? Forum

Building with Biology public forum where participants discuss whether the mosquito should be genetically engineered.

Videos

Screen shot of a Building with Biology video featuring a female news anchor speaking to the camera

Building with Biology: Introduction to Synthetic Biology and Society Video

This 7 minute video is designed to help create conversations in museums among scientists and public audiences about the emerging field of synthetic biology and its societal implications.

Building with Biology - recommended videos

Educational videos introducing the topic of synthetic biology, CRISPR, and gene editing.

Annual Events

DNA Day (April 25)

National DNA Day website

World Malaria Day (April 25)

World Health Organization (WHO) resources https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-malaria-day
National Mosquito Control Awareness Week resources from American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA)
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) World Health Organization (WHO) resources https://missionmosquito.carpha.org/
Should We Engineer the Mosquito? forum
GLOBE Observer Mosquito App https://observer.globe.gov/about/get-the-app
GLOBE Observer Mosquito Habitat Mapper toolkit https://observer.globe.gov/toolkit/mosquito-habitat-mapper-toolkit
GLOBE Observer Mission Mosquito Larvae Hunters Guide https://www.globe.gov/web/mission-mosquito/overview/resources

World CRISPR Day (October 20)

More Resources

Gregor Mendel 200 (July 2022 - 2023)
- https://gregormendel200.org
- Videos of his life and workDNA image gallery: https://www.genome.gov/image-gallery
DNA Day starter kit: https://www.genome.gov/dna-day/starter-kit
HowtoSmile.org activities: https://www.howtosmile.org/resource-search/genetics

Working with STEM Experts Guide cover including an image of expert puring a liquid and using a strainer with a girl and her family at a museum public event

Finding STEM Experts

See the "Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, Synthetic Biology, and Public Health" section of Working with STEM Experts: A Guide for Educators in Museums and Other Informal Learning Settings