Saturday DNA! NYC - Sweet Genes

Join us in Brooklyn for a unique day of science experiments good enough to eat! In this tasty journey through genetics, explore the real-world concepts that shape evolution, and even the emergence of new species! We will use M&M’s and gummy bears to investigate forces of evolution, and make gingerbread people to demonstrate heredity of genes and traits. All the candy and cookies can be taken home at the end of the day to enjoy!

In this session, participants will:

- simulate the forces of natural selection and genetic drift to see how they can influence evolution;

- understand the difference between genotype and phenotype;

- model heredity of dominant and recessive alleles;

- track traits through multiple generations for an endangered (gummy) bear breeding program.

Ages 10-14, no adult chaperone required.

Host or Publisher Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center