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Think of amino acids as tiny puzzle pieces that come together to build proteins—the molecules that help our bodies grow, repair, digest food, and fight germs. There are 20 different amino acids, and the order in which they connect determines the shape and job of the protein they form.

In this project created by Rachel, a member of the Rosie Innovators STEM program for young women in high school, you’ll make an amino acid bracelet to model how proteins are built. Each bead represents a different amino acid, and your unique pattern reflects how proteins are coded in real life. Just like real proteins, small changes in the sequence can lead to big differences in how they work!

Ready to create your own protein model? Gather your materials and follow the instructions below!

Required Materials

  • pony beads (mixed colors)
  • pipe cleaners

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1

Collect the pony beads in the colors you will need to create your protein

Step 2

Size the pipe cleaner to your wrist and fold over the pointy edges.

Step 3

String the beads on the pipe cleaner in order to create your protein

Step 4

Attach the two ends of the pipe cleaner around your wrist, and you will have your bracelet!