Rosie Labs DNA Necklaces

In this Rosie Labs guide you will find:

• Lesson objectives and concept overview, 
• Step-by-step instructions Strawberry DNA extraction kit and video of necklace assembly (1:59 on video)
• Optional STEM activities to further explore the objectives and concepts used in the project build.

Objective 

Participants will extract and isolate DNA to understand its role as genetic material.

Concept Overview and Experiment Inspiration 

DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid and it is the genetic material that controls all of our characteristics and traits. Think of it as a blueprint for our bodies. DNA is made up of tiny building blocks called nucleotides, which contain information about our physical characteristics, like eye color and height. This information is stored in a long, double-helix shaped molecule and is passed down from generation to generation. So, in a way, DNA is like the instruction manual for our bodies!

Base pairs are the building blocks of DNA that hold the genetic code together. Each base pair consists of two nitrogen-containing molecules, called nucleotides, that are joined together by hydrogen bonds. There are four types of nucleotides in DNA: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T). The sequence of these four bases, arranged in a specific order, contains the genetic code that determines our physical traits and characteristics.

For example, a sequence of T-A-C-G-G-C might specify that a particular individual has brown eyes. This genetic code is read and used by the body to create proteins, which are the workhorses of the cell that carry out all the important functions necessary for life. So, in a way, base pairs are like the letters of the genetic code and they are what make us unique!

The Strawberry DNA extraction kit provides students with a hands-on experience to extract and isolate DNA from strawberries and see it for themselves. Using specially prepared cell lysating solutions and other materials provided in the kit, students can break down the cells and observe the DNA. By conducting this lab, students can gain a deeper understanding of DNA and the scientific process in a fun and interactive way. The kit is designed for small groups of students and includes a teacher’s guide, student worksheets, and all the necessary materials to perform 2 extractions, such as plastic droppers, test tubes, funnels, and more. With this kit, students can see the DNA molecule with their own eyes and understand its significance as the foundation of all life.

After extracting the DNA, students can place it in centrifuge tubes to create necklaces as a fun and unique way to reinforce the concepts they have learned and share them with their friends. The centrifuge tubes are clear, small tubes that can hold the DNA solution, allowing students to observe the DNA in a new way. By wearing their DNA necklaces, students can show off their newfound knowledge and share their experience with others. This activity not only reinforces the scientific concepts they have learned, but it also provides a memorable and tangible reminder of their hands-on experience with DNA extraction. The centrifuge tubes, along with the other materials provided in the kit, make the Strawberry DNA extraction a complete and engaging activity for students.

Science Goals 

• Structure and function of living organisms: By extracting and observing DNA, students can see the structure of this important genetic material and understand how it controls the characteristics and traits of all living things.
• The Nature of Science: This lab provides students with an opportunity to engage in the scientific process, including asking questions, designing experiments, making observations, and forming conclusions based on evidence.
• Evidence, models, and explanation: Through their observations of the extracted DNA, students can develop an understanding of the evidence and models scientists use to explain the nature of living things.
• Science, technology, and society: Students can also explore the connection between science, technology, and society by learning about the scientific tools and methods used to extract and isolate DNA.

Vocabulary 

• DNA: Deoxyribonucleic Acid, the genetic material that controls the characteristics and traits of all living things and serves as the blueprint for our bodies.
• Nucleotides: Building blocks of DNA that contain information about physical characteristics.
• Adenine (A): One of the four types of nucleotides in DNA.
• Cytosine (C): One of the four types of nucleotides in DNA.
• Guanine (G): One of the four types of nucleotides in DNA.
• Thymine (T): One of the four types of nucleotides in DNA.
• Hydrogen bonds: The bonds that hold nucleotides together to form base pairs in DNA.
• Genetic code: The sequence of base pairs in DNA that determines our physical traits and characteristics.
• Proteins: Complex molecules that carry out all the important functions necessary for life, created from the genetic code in DNA.
• Base pairs: The building blocks of DNA consisting of two nucleotides joined together by hydrogen bonds.
• Lysing: Breaking down cells to release their components.
• Precipitation: The process of causing a solid to separate from a solution.