Celebrate the Anniversary of the
Discovery of the Double Helix!!!
In the April
25, 1953 issue of
the scientific journal, Nature, Dr. James Watson and Francis Crick were the first to
report the double helical structure of DNA molecules. Because of this landmark discovery, April
25, 2003 was named “National DNA Day”.
Here are
some resources that will help you celebrate National DNA Day in your classroom.
READ the original paper by Watson and Crick
(as well as important papers that assisted them in their
discovery by Dr. Rosalind Franklin and Dr. Maurice Wilkins) – See the Nature Publishing Group
Website for additional information and copies of these papers and
others. Or see: “Molecular
Structure of Nucleic Acids: A Structure for Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid”
CREATE A
Colorful DNA Model
ISOLATE Your
Own DNA
TASTE
(and SEE) Fruit
DNA in a Smoothie
EXPLORE the National Human Genome Research
Institute website
Also
see Genetic Education
Modules for Teachers (excellent!)
WATCH “Race for the Double
Helix”
Download
a movie worksheet (this document includes a movie
synopsis, photos, reading list, quotes, and essay & short answer questions)
BEOP and the Hughes Undergraduate Program sponsored a
screening of “Race for the Double Helix” on Saturday, April 26, 2003. Following the
movie, there was an open panel discussion with UIUC scientists
on issues related to biotechnology.
This event was FREE and open to the public.
LEARN more about biotechnology - BEOP
Biotechnology Website Collection
ASK a scientist about DNA – Find a scientist
mentor in your area