Tinkering with DNA
DNA is at the heart of biological evolution. To learn how mobile DNA creates the genetic diversity that drives evolution, you can tinker with simulated DNA.
Evolution Beads
Recreate the story of the universe with beads representing significant events, such at the emergence of light,the ignition of the sun, the appearance of the first cell, and your birthday.
Pop Bead DNA
Pop-beads are used to model DNA, simulate its replication, and observe molecular evolution
String Genome
What percentage of the DNA in our cells encodes proteins? Use string to simulate the 2 meters of DNA in each of our cells.
Colors of the Universe
Scientists look at light to learn about stars, galaxies and the age of the universe. In this activity, we use diffraction glasses to learn how scientists see back in time.
Isolating DNA
All creatures from microbes to men contain DNA, the information storage molecule. In this activity, we isolate DNA from strawberries.
More Activities
People learn best when their bodies and minds are engaged in discovery. Here are more activities and games that demonstrate what we know about evolution.
Making DNA Model with Beads and Wire
This video shows you how to make a DNA molecule from wire and beads. (I don't know who the woman in this tutorial is.) http://youtu.be/G8u5Ikdgsk8
Symbiotic Cells
Endosymbiosis was one of the most important events in evolution. Candies and a baggies are used to model simple cells, which are then combined to model the endosymbiotic evolution of mitochondria.
Examining Primate Skulls
Skulls - our own, from extant primates, and from fossils can tell us a lot about our human evolution. Objectives: Students learn how measure and observe primate skulls - including their own! Students will use data to reconstruct tree. Procedure Examine Skulls Record...
