Education: DNA and Evolution
Explore DNA and evolution through these unique, hands-on activities! Download the activity and supplemental materials. Some require additional inexpensive materials that can be easily rounded-up.
Originally exhibited for National DNA Day (April 25) at Darwin2009 cultural institutions.
Spiral of Life: DNA and Evolution Poster
Part of the Spiral of Life Mural Series
What is the role of DNA in Evolution? Where does variation come from? This and more questions are answered in this poster. This poster summarizes many of the concepts that Darwin didn't know in his time, but that answered many of his questions.
To get a copy, please e-mail John Pollock at pollock@duq.edu.
DNA Highway Repair
Originally developed for the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA
Concepts: DNA replication, mutation, repair, environmental agents
What happens when our DNA is mutated by potentially harmful environmental agents, like the sun’s UV rays (or a tanning booth), or chemicals in cigarette smoke? Guide the “Paul E. Merase” (polymerase) and “DNA Highway Repair” trucks along the “DNA Highway” in this hands-on activity that explores DNA mutation at the molecular level. Discuss how we can prevent harmful mutations that lead to cancer and other diseases.
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My DNA is Full of Junk!
Originally developed for the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, PA
Concepts: RNA transcription, protein synthesis, relatedness
Did you know that 95% of the human genome is made of junk DNA? Assemble a DNA sequence and then ‘splice’ it into RNA. Through the process, discover the roles that introns, exons, and junk DNA play – and don’t play – in protein production. Learn how introns and exons help scientists determine relatedness between species and their evolution from a common ancestor!
| Download Activity for Grades 7-10, 12 |
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DNA and Evolution - Phylogenetic Tree
Originally developed for the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Concepts: DNA, relatedness, genetics, phylogenetic tree
How closely related is a zebrafish to a mouse? Students compare and contrast different gene sequences and discover their relatedness on a large, colorful phylogenetic tree poster.
Part of the Spiral of Life Mural Series, the poster was originally exhibited during DNA Day of the Darwin 2009 celebration in Pittsburgh. A new representation of Darwin’s phylogenetic tree, the spiral shape emphasizes the equality of all organisms while tracing Life’s descent from a common ancestor. A versatile teaching tool, the poster can be used to supplement any study of biological diversity and evolution.
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DNA Bracelet Activity
Originally developed for the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
Concepts: DNA, genetics, relatedness
Everyone’s an individual! Students can assemble their own unique “DNA Bracelets” representing certain traits, such as hair color, eye color, handedness and ear lobes. Afterwards, discuss what DNA is and how it creates unique individuals while students compare their bracelets with each other.
| Download Activity for Grades 2-5 |
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Inheritance and Evolution
Originally developed for Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, PA
Concepts: DNA, inheritance, genetics, evolution, plant reproduction
Explore the different ways in which flowering plants reproduce, and learn about how certain traits are inherited and expressed. Using water and food coloring, students will experiment with creating different offspring through self and cross-fertilization. They’ll learn about dominant and recessive genes, and why cross-fertilization both benefits the species and drives evolution. Incorporating fake or live plants into the activity can help to further bring the concepts to life!
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