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The lessons

All nine lessons

The lessons are ordered to build on each other. Read DNA, then edit it, then design with it. But every lesson can also stand completely on its own. Mix and match to fit your class. If it's your first time with a group, we recommend starting with Lesson 1, paired with another lesson or two.

These lessons draw on activities, ideas, and teaching materials from many different places, adapted and combined through our own classroom experience. We've done our best to give credit where we know it's due, but if you recognize a lesson or idea that should be attributed to you, please let us know — we'll be happy to add the appropriate credit.

1

Intro: what is synthetic biology?

A 10-minute discussion opener on DNA and what synthetic biology is.

Gr. 3-6 · 10-15 min · $0
2

Build-a-DNA double helix

Build a candy or bead double helix and find the base-pairing rule.

Gr. 3-6 · 25-35 min · $10-20
3

Name-in-DNA bracelets

Spell your name in a 3-bead DNA code and wear it home.

Gr. 3-5 · 25-35 min · $15-25
4

Strawberry DNA extraction

Pull real, visible DNA out of a strawberry with kitchen supplies.

Gr. 4-6 · 30-40 min · $15-20
5

Monster genetics

Decode a DNA recipe into a monster, then swap a gene to change it.

Gr. 3-5 · 30-40 min · $5-10
6

CRISPR cut-and-paste

Be the molecular scissors: find a sequence, cut it, paste a new one.

Gr. 5-6 · 30-40 min · $2-5
7

Engineer a glowing microbe

Put a jellyfish glow gene into a paper microbe and give it a job.

Gr. 3-6 · 30-40 min · $10-15
8

Clean water: sense it & solve it

Spot what pollutes water, see a biosensor, then build a filter.

Gr. 5-6 · 45-60 min (run 1-3 parts) · $15-25
9

Design-a-synbio-solution

Pick a problem and design your own engineered organism from parts.

Gr. 4-6 · 30-40 min · $2-5
Not sure where to start? A good first visit is the 10-minute intro plus one hands-on activity — strawberry DNA extraction is always a hit.