Lesson 3 of 84 · Evolution
Experiment⭐ 30 XPDNA: The Code of Life
Evolution.
🎯 Your mission
Set it up. Test it. Be amazed.
⚡ The twist
Nature loves to surprise the careful watcher.
Mind = Blown
🔬 The more you look, the more nature shows you.
Make a hypothesis first
Before you start: write down what you think will happen, and why.
What You'll Learn
Genes are segments of DNA that code for specific traits like eye color, hair texture, and blood type. Humans have approximately 20,000 genes spread across 23 pairs of chromosomes.
Key Words
- nucleus
- DNA
- gene
Materials Needed
- iodine stain
- paper
- colored pencils
- coins (for Punnett squares)
- tape
Safety First
- Do not taste any materials.
- Wear safety goggles when mixing liquids.
Steps
Read the introduction and identify the main idea of this lesson.
Model mitosis using pipe cleaners as chromosomes. Show each phase: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Use your senses (except taste) to describe what you notice.
Write a summary of your findings in 3-5 sentences.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 3What is a gene?
Where you see this in real life
This shows up in your everyday life more than you'd think.
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Try one experiment in real life this week — even a tiny one.
For the dinner table
“What's the most surprising thing you learned today?”
Next Smart Experiment
We'll pick an experiment that matches exactly how you're thinking right now.
Share this experiment
Send it to a parent who's looking for a 10-minute kitchen science win.
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