DNALC Live: Kitchen Science: Human DNA Extraction

Date: Monday, March 30, 2020
Time: 11:00 a.m. (EDT)
Duration: 40 minutes
Presenter: Michael Paul, DNA Learning Center
Audience: Grades 5-8, plus all interested science enthusiasts

Watch on 
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Activity description:

DNA is a molecule inside the cells of all living things, including US! In this session, you will use a simple procedure to extract your own DNA from cheek cells, using household materials.  If you would like to perform the lab alongside DNALC Instructor Mike Paul, take a look at the protocol in the resources section and have your materials ready when you join in!

In this session, you will:

• Learn about the structure of DNA;
• Explore some important chemical principles;
• Follow the procedure at home alongside our instructor;
• Extract and see your own DNA!

Materials needed to participate from home:

• Gatorade or any sports drink
• Dish soap or shampoo
• Rubbing alcohol
• Toothpick
• Clear, small cup
• Measuring spoon (teaspoon & tablespoon)

If the stream in YouTube is very bad, we will switch the presentation to:
 https://cshl-dnalc.zoom.us/j/543977045
(Participants will only be admitted to the Zoom meeting if the YouTube stream is stopped.)