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Home > STEM Learning Journeys > DNA: The Building Blocks — Advanced Lessons Bundle

Lesson 3: What is DNA?

A stylized white DNA double helix made of dots appears along the left edge of a blue background with a subtle grid pattern, leaving ample blank space on the right.

Image of a student twisting a double helix

Prepare for lesson:

  1. Review What is DNA? Facilitator Guide
  2. Print page 4 of Delicious DNA handout for small groups (included in guide)
  3. Supplies for small groups:
    1. 1 paper towel
    2. 2 licorice vines
    3. 20 toothpicks
    4. 20 pieces of gummy candy (4 different colors)

During the lesson:

  1. Ask youth to think about what they know about DNA by (10 min):
    1. What it looks like (draw eyes on board)
    2. What it does (draw movie clapper)
    3. Why we care? (draw hand writing)
  2. In small groups, youth will build their own DNA using supplies (~20 min).
  3. Share rules they should follow (from guide), allowing youth to decide on how they use supplies.
    1. Build a 3-D model of DNA
    2. Must use A, C, T and G nitrogen bases
    3. A always pairs with T, C always pairs with G
  4. Share handout (page 4) that they’ll use as a guide
  5. Have groups share their final structures (~10 min)
  6. Go back to intro discussion on what they know about DNA. Is there anything they’d change? (~10 min)