We hear about DNA all of the time but what is it? This collection explores a few aspects of DNA:

  • DNA and genetics
  • how DNA is extracted
  • DNA's role in forensics
  • DNA and whakapapa
  • how DNA solves environmental puzzles.

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Hub resources are grouped around these themes and the yellow notes provide additional information.

DNA and genetics

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The following resources focus on DNA and genetics - what makes me - me - and what makes you - you!

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The first items are glossary terms.

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Hint: each resource has a glossary tab under its title. You can create and download bespoke glossary lists into a Word doc to edit/simplify or add additional information. Ideal for word walls.

GLOSSARY ITEM 

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a molecule that contains the instructions needed for an organism to develop and function. These instructions are stored as a code made up of four chemical bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C) and thymine (T).

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GLOSSARY ITEM 

genes

A segment of a DNA molecule that carries the information needed to make a specific protein. Genes determine the traits (phenotype) of the individual.

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GLOSSARY ITEM 

chromosome

A structure within the cell nucleus made of a single coiled piece of DNA that contains the genetic blueprint of an organism.

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ARTICLE 

DNA, chromosomes and gene expression

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ARTICLE 

Twins

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ARTICLE 

Alternative conceptions about genetics

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ACTIVITY 

Genetics: true or false?

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ACTIVITY 

Family resemblance: traits through generations

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DNA extraction

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We usually picture DNA as the twisted ladder/double helix shape. The reality is that DNA molecules are very difficult to see without complex equipment like X-ray crystallography.

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How is DNA extracted?

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What is a DNA barcode?

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And how can we do this in the classroom?

ARTICLE 

DNA extraction

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ARTICLE 

DNA barcoding

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ACTIVITY 

Modelling DNA

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ACTIVITY 

Extracting DNA

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DNA's role in forensics

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Forensics is an awesome context to dive into when learning about DNA.

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There are several other concepts that underpin forensics:

  • what constitutes evidence in science
  • the ethics of using DNA to profile/obtain a profile from a person.
ARTICLE 

Forensics and DNA

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ARTICLE 

DNA profiling

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ARTICLE 

New Zealand's DNA Databank

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ARTICLE 

Crime scene evidence

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ARTICLE 

Forensics – interesting facts

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ACTIVITY 

DNA detective

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TEACHER PLD 

Mobile forensic kit – unit plan

This unit plan has some good ideas for setting the scene for students to develop an understanding of the process of collecting evidence so that a collection system can be developed.... Expand note

DNA and whakapapa

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DNA is in all living things.

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Whakapapa refers to lineage or ancestry.

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The following resources provide insight into whakapapa via different contexts.

VIDEO 

Plants and whakapapa

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ARTICLE 

DNA diversity in early New Zealanders

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VIDEO 

Whakapapa and biodiversity

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ARTICLE 

Te tapa ingoa

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ACTIVITY 

Exploring genetic variation

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DNA and environmental puzzles

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DNA technology is widely used in answering more and more of our environmental questions.

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For example, Aotearoa has four scientifically-named species of native copper butterfly. Experts think there actually may be up to 20 individual species and plan to use DNA sequencing to find out.

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Following are a few more stories about how DNA is help with environmental puzzles.

ARTICLE 

Wētā poo and DNA

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ARTICLE 

From the smallest bones come the biggest secrets

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ARTICLE 

A tale of two ferns

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