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.
Featured Activities Throughout April
Free Strawberry DNA Extraction Kit & Guide
Request a free kit and show your students how to extract DNA from a strawberry. Instructions and step-by-step video included. A favorite among elementary and middle school students!
Request a Career Chat for Your Students
Learning about genomics through a career chat is eye-opening. Schedule a chat and help your students make meaningful connections with professionals in a fast-growing industry.
Year Round DNA Activities
Choose your classroom level:
Career Chat
Learning about genomics through a career chat is eye-opening. Schedule a chat and help your students make meaningful connections with professionals in a fast-growing industry.
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.
Video Series: Genomics 101 at Home
Learn about DNA, genetics and more in our at-home video series hosted by Illumina employees.
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.
DNA Decoded Activities & Lesson Plans
DNA Decoded provides ready-to-go, standards-aligned lessons and activities for teachers and students to explore the ways they can see genomics in their everyday lives.
Invite a Genomics Professional to Your Classroom
We'd love to visit your future scientists! We'll introduce DNA through easy concepts, engaging activities, and a casual Q&A.
Virtual Lab Simulation
A free resource to introduce your students to the basic concepts of DNA, PCR and whole genome sequencing, key concepts in the field of genomics.
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.
San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering STEAM Sessions
Through a virtual platform, these sessions bring diverse STEAM educational content to students, families and educators everywhere with the click of a button.
Strawberry DNA Extraction: In-classroom Experiment
A favorite among middle school students! Request a free kit and show your students how to extract DNA from a strawberry. Don't worry—step-by-step video included.
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!
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.
“Extracting DNA from strawberries is a favorite activity for my gifted third graders. I was disappointed thinking that the students would miss it this year because we can’t have visitors due to COVID-19. You’ve saved the day. Thank you again for providing these materials.”
– Johnnie Keel, a teacher at Truman Elementary in Norman, OK