Dynamic DNA: The Genetics of Plant Life

Step into the role of a young scientist and explore the hidden language of life written in DNA. Focusing on the fascinating world of plant genetics, students will engage in hands-on discovery to develop an appreciation for the awe-inspiring potential of plant DNA. From seed to leaf, students will investigate how genes determine plant traits, how scientists extract and study DNA, and how plants pass along instructions for growth, color, and adaptation. Students will explore questions like: What makes a sunflower so tall? How can we grow disease-resistant crops? Can we really see DNA? Through guided inquiry and creative projects, learners will explore the foundations of genetics and develop hands-on lab skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Example Experiments & Activities:

• Strawberry DNA Extraction: Use everyday materials to extract and see real DNA from fruit.
• Trait Tracking Garden: Grow fast-germinating plants and track inherited traits over time.
• DNA Code Bracelets: Create colorful bead bracelets representing real genetic sequences.
• Punnett Square Puzzles: Solve plant trait inheritance scenarios using beginner genetics tools.

Course Outcomes:

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

1. Understand the basic structure and function of DNA in plants.
2. Demonstrate how DNA determines traits and how these traits are inherited across generations.
3. Extract DNA from plant material and describe the steps of the process.
4. Use simple models and simulations to represent genetic coding and inheritance.
5. Build confidence in scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and hands-on experimentation.