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DNA Kit and Science Museum Activities

For the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the description of the DNA double helix, The Science Museum of Minnesota [www.smm.org] with help from the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) [www.astc.org] and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), developed a kit designed for science centers and museums, providing them with DNA demonstrations and hands-on experiments involving genetics and genomics.

Through an application process, 30 museums from 20 states nationwide were chosen to receive a kit. Each museum used the kit in a variety of ways including: outreach to school groups; use in learning camps; demonstrations at local sites; and in on-going workshops and classes for adults and children.

The kit was designed for hands-on demonstrations and programming on the museum floor.

Activities in the kit include:

  • DNA model building.
  • DNA extraction from wheat germ.
  • DNA electrophoresis, sequencing simulation, sequence analysis and examination of genetic traits.

List of Participating Museums


Last updated: August 20, 2013