Overview
Astro Morphs’ productions and art works are inspired by biology. Have fun creating colourful fridge magnets, while learning the complementary bases that make up DNA.
You will need
- coloured card
- a ruler
- a pencil
- scissors
- textas, posca paint pens, pencils (to decorate)
- self-adhesive magnets from the craft shop or recycled magnets from the fridge (We used self-adhesive. If you use recycled magnets, you will need a glue gun, craft glue or blue tack.)
Steps
- Choose four different coloured pieces of card and rule the card into squares, 5cm by 5cm.
- Cut the card into the squares you ruled.
- Choose a different coloured card to mark for each letter: A, T, C, and G.
- Stick or glue a magnet to the back of each letter.
- Put all the letter magnets into a container and make DNA sequences on a magnetic surface with your friends. Just remember the rule: ‘A’ goes with ‘T’, and ‘C’ goes with ‘G’.
Reflection
Consider the magnets you just made:
- Why do you think DNA is important?
- Who discovered the shape of the DNA helix?
- Can you think of a TV show or movie you’ve watched that talks about DNA?
- Can you draw the DNA helix? Have a go!
- What does DNA stand for and the letters ‘A’, ‘T’, ‘C’ and ‘G’? Do a search if you’re interested!
Fun Fact: Our DNA is in the shape of the helix; a bacterium has circular DNA.