Whether you’re corralling the youngest future scientists or prepping high schoolers for a career in genomics, we have a variety of activities and resources for you.

student-purple-gloves-testing
DNA Discovery: Extractions and Exploration

Unlock the secrets of DNA and dive into the world of genomics! From DNA Day to year-round learning opportunities, STEM Next has curated experiments, activities and more to help you get started.

Explore the possibilities

DIY extraction kit
Classroom/Group DIY DNA Extraction

Step-by-Step guide to extract DNA from a strawberry using materials you can gather at home. Watch a quick tutorial video and get the guide.

Let’s Get Started

Watch an Extraction Tutorial Video

Exploring genomics at every age

Careers in genomics are project to grow by 10% by 2032, an average much faster than the national average of job growth.

Year Round DNA Activities

Choose your classroom level:
DNA Day Illumina Cares
DNA Day Printable Coloring Page

Add a splash of color to DNA Day with this printable coloring page full of DNA helixes, microscopes, beakers, and more.

Download coloring page

Classroom
Virtual Lab Simulation

Go inside the structure of DNA and uncover insights into our ancient human history with a virtual lab interactive & educator guide. Genomic Sequencing: Our Human Past and Present Revealed lets students investigate the ways genomic sequencing is transforming our world, from agriculture to microbiology to human health and beyond.

Explore now

OpenUp Science Magazine
Open Up Science DNA Magazine

Learn about Deoxyribonucleic Acid (aka DNA) with a series of activities and fun puzzles from the Cambridge Science Center.

Download the PDF

Question blocks
Science Decoded Puzzle Activity

Use our science themed answer key to solve a series of icon based puzzles. Puzzles relate to either basic scientific terms or influential genomic figures.

Download PDF

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STEM is My Super Power Printable Coloring Page

We share 99.9% of our genes, but there is no one like you. Use your imagination to design a lab coat as unique as you are.

Download PDF

Genomics Coloring and Activity Book
Genomics Activity & Coloring Book

Full of activities like crossword puzzles, mazes, fill-in-the-blanks and word searches, this coloring book is a great way to introduce DNA to your students.

Download printable book

Close up of DNA
Illumina Cares Youtube Playlist

Follow the Illumina Cares Playlist on YouTube for great videos to share with fellow teachers and post online. Bonus points for uploading your own activity videos!

View the playlist

DNA Decoded
DNA Decoded Activities & Lesson Plans

DNA Decoded provides ready-to-go, standards-aligned lessons and activities for high school teachers. Check out the DNA Decoded Facilitator Guide to easily customize lessons according to student interests or topics.

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Skyping a scientist with laptop
Skype a Scientist

Hold a Skype meeting with a scientist! Sessions cover easy-to-understand genomics concepts, making it a perfect classroom experience for any age.

Request a scientist

Students coloring
Video Series: Genomics 101 at Home

Learn about DNA, genetics and more in our at-home video series hosted by Illumina employees.

Watch video

Alexander_Web Spark Kit
I Am A Scientist Spark Kits

I Am a Scientist teamed up with Illumina to create Spark Kits featuring inspiring scientists doing cutting-edge work. These multimedia kits include stories, lesson plans, illustrations, and career supports for students interested in pursuing diverse careers in biotechnology.

Explore Illumina Spark Kits

Stories of #Genomics4All in Action

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Scientist professional
Bringing Sophisticated Lab Experiences to High School Classrooms

Jessica Bosch fosters students’ love of science through the Illumina Genomic Discoveries program

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careers in dna
In Full Transparency: A Year of CSR at Illumina

Our 2021 CSR Report documents a year of positive impact

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Igniting Genomic Literacy in the Classroom

Empowering students to envision themselves as future scientists, innovators, and trailblazers

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Kansas City Lights the Night with a New Research Institute

Genomic sequencing is giving families hope in the face of uncertainty at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City

Together let’s share the code of life!