Fantastic DNA in a Box!
Fantastic DNA in a box is a classroom kit, complete with both materials and resources, that allows pupils/students in your class to extract DNA from a banana individually. You can either run this activity yourself in your classroom, guided by our downloadable resources, or you also have the option of inviting 1-2 Cell EXPLORERS scientists to remotely facilitate the experimental steps through a secure Zoom connection on the day of the experiment.
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With the help of the box's pre-packaged materials, video instructions & optional online support, teachers can set up this session with ease and run a discussion on science, scientists, Cells & DNA as well as facilitate a hands-on DNA extraction in their classroom.
What is this about?
Watch the short video below to find out more about this new activity!
What's in the box?
The box contains all of the necessary items to run the Fantastic DNA session in the classroom.
It includes real laboratory small equipment, including tubes, foldable cardboard tube racks, dropper pipettes and plastic loops, and reagents for 36 participants to practice the experiment individually. Better yet- the cardboard racks, dropper pipettes, plastic loops and plastic tubes can all be re-used - opening opportunities for future science activities!
The box is packed in a manner that allows the session to be set up with ease and in a timely fashion, including pre-packed children's bags containing all of the consumables needed for one person.
The box also contains a teacher pack with extra information and Achievement Certificates for the students. Support materials to run the session is also provided to teachers in the Teacher Zone section.
Children also have the possibility to practice the experiment with some of our Cell EXPLORERS Explainers, through a secure online Zoom session.
The ready-packed box will be available for collection from the team nearest to you after registering and requesting a pick up time in the 'request a box' section.
The Fantastic DNA classroom activity
This session provides children and young people with the opportunity to engage in hands-on modern biology. Children will gain a basic understanding of the role and structure of cells and DNA, the building blocks of life, and practice the DNA extraction experiment individually.
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Teachers can follow a lesson plan to use Fantastic DNA in a box with your class.
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Following the suggested steps will allow the class to think critically about science and scientists, to reflect on the connection between science and everyday life and attain the core concepts and learning outcomes needed to engage meaningfully in the practical experiment, which is the last step of the activity.
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The 'Fantastic DNA in a box' kit contains all of the resources you need to guide your class through the experiment successfully, including video instructions on how to set up your classroom for the session. You will have the opportunity to run the experiment either by yourself, or with the support of Cell EXPLORERS Explainers, through a secure zoom connection at an agreed-upon time.
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Suitable for: Primary school pupils (5th to 6th class) or post-primary school students (1st year to 3rd year).
Request a Box
We distribute a limited quantity of kits around Sciennce week through Science festivals. Interested teachers/schools can also contact us directly.
As the demand might exceed our capacity to produce the kits or deliver sessions, interested teachers who have requested a kit will be put on a waiting list until we have kits available.
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To request the Fantastic DNA in a box kit, please email cellexplorers@universityofgalway.ie or the team closest to your location, using "Fantastic DNA in a box kit request" in the subject of your email. Include your school roll number and your mobile number to facilitate the communication.
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If you contact cellexplorers@universityofgalway.ie, we might identify the team closest to your location. Delivery/collection methods differ according to Cell EXPLORERS teams and your proximity to a given team location. Your chosen CE team will be in contact.
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Important note: you will need to consult the Health & Safety notice and Risk Assessment for the activities before receiving/collecting the box. When you collect the box you will be requested to confirm via signature that you have read and understood the Health & Safety measures that relate to the session.
How to get ready for your session
If you have already requested a box, you can access the pdf of our step-by-step guide to see how to get ready for your Fantastic DNA in a Box session!
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You can also just have a look before requesting a box, to learn more what is involved!
Access the PDF of our step by step guide to Fantastic DNA in a box here.