Explore + Discover Together: DNA
In this art and science program, participants will marvel as they get up close to DNA while exploring the physical characteristic that’s been used to separate us, skin tone. Infinitely riffable based on your population.
Full Program Description
Investigate the molecule responsible for the incredible diversity of humankind with hands-on activities and more.
DNA unites us with each other — and all life on Earth! Did you know that humans share 99.6% of their DNA with each other, and that people of different races are more genetically similar than people who are the same race? Why do we look so different from each other, anyways?
After a brief introduction, we’ll extract DNA from strawberries (same building blocks and shape, different recipe). We’ll also explore human DNA. We’ll take one aspect of our physical characteristics, skin color, and mix up some custom paint to match each of our own skin tones. Then we’ll learn the reasons behind the variations in the shades of our skin. We’ll finish up with an activity that affirms the value of every skin tone.
Supplies
- markers
- play parachute, if desired
- tempera paint in primary colors, plus white and black
- paper plates
- paper for painting
- paintbrushes
- cups of water
- paper towels
- Materials for strawberry DNA extraction
- strawberries
- zipper plastic bags
- dish detergent
- salt
- water
- coffee filters
- plastic cups
- rubbing alcohol
- stir stick
Program content
- “All about me” style worksheet for participants to fill in as they arrive
- Welcome and name game or other introduction
- “Trading Places” game with the parachute; other brain breaks
- Brief chat/share about how we are all similar and different. Discuss how one difference is in the way we look, including skin color.
- Skin shade mixing activity – using video linked above or live. As participants experiment to create different shades, they stamp the various colors with their fingerprints onto the dandelion sheet, creating an array of various skin tones.
- We mentioned race and racism in the program, and how Martin Luther King, Jr. worked hard to teach the truth and fight for justice.
- Initial information about DNA. We used part of the Sun in Our Skin video, but we recommend a book such as Hooray for DNA: How a Bear and a Bug Are a Lot Like Us by Pauline Thompson and Greg Pizzoli. We read this at the end of the program, but it could be a good introduction text.
- DNA extraction from strawberries – full instructions here from the National Human Genome Research Institute.
- You could use the Color to Discover: Curious about Diversity coloring book for further information about DNA.
Submitted by Esli Avalos and Sally Battle.
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