Make A Candy DNA Model!

Ever wondered how DNA, the genetic blueprint of a life-form, can encode and pass on the information on how to grow and maintain that life-form? Just like a cookbook contains a complete recipe for a dish, DNA stores the recipe for the life of an organism. Although each human has a unique DNA sequence, the DNA in all of us is about 99.9% identical! In this activity, you will use pieces of candy to make a model for a short section of DNA—enough to get a sense of what DNA is like and how it… Read more

Join Science Buddies this summer for virtual summer camp! Each week, we'll have a fun STEM theme for kids of all ages, suggestions for simple hands-on activities, book picks, and more. With our Summer of STEM, we'll keep you and your kids inspired all summer with creative and innovative science and engineering activities — for free. This week: up, up, and away with superhero science! Superhero STEM Superhero stories appeal to people of all ages.… Read more

Use these free STEM lesson plans and activities to teach students about biotechnology—options for all grade levels! Biotechnology involves using biological processes and systems to make or improve products. Using yeast to make bread is often offered as a simple example of biotechnology, as a living organism (yeast) is used to make a specific food product (bread). Many people think of biotechnology, however, in more cutting-edge contexts,… Read more

Use these free STEM lessons and science activities to explore DNA, heredity, and genetics with K-12 students. How are we like our parents? What makes apples and onions different? Why are some siblings similar in appearance or behavior and others different? How do our genes determine our features and physical characteristics? Can our genes also predict our health or the probability that we will get a disease? DNA holds the key to answering these… Read more

With a bit of extra candy on hand, students can do a range of fun candy science experiments! 14 Science Experiments that Use Candy! You can put candy to scientific use at any time of the year! The science projects listed below use candy as the basis for chemistry, physics, food science, and math exploration. In these experiments, students can explore diffusion, solubility, chromatography, chemical and physical properties, and more! These experiments… Read more