Yummy gummy double helix
- Type:
- Classroom activity
- Age level:
- All Ages
- Topic area:
- DNA, DNA structure and complementary base pairing
- Description:
Students can make their own edible DNA double helix out of sweets and find out about the shape of DNA. The activity introduces the basics of DNA structure and complementary base pairs.
This activity links with the GCSE curriculum but can also be used with a younger audience. Young children must be supervised by an adult during this activity.
Running the activity:
- To run this activity, each student will require:
- 10-12 Jelly baby sweets (or similar) - ensure that there are 4 different colours available.
- 10-12 cocktail sticks/tooth picks.
Instructions and a material list can be found in the Support Materials.
- Approximate activity duration: 15-20 minutes
Support Links:
Related items:
Curriculum links:
This activity supports the following modules on the UK curriculum.
Click on the arrows below for further detail of the module.
Web links:
Additional sources of information on the web for teachers and students to increase their knowledge base on DNA, gene s and genomes.
