DNA Day

Did you know each of the trillions of cells in our bodies contains two meters of genetic code, called DNA? Spend some time exploring the molecular machinery that makes us tick as we celebrate the anniversary of the discovery of the DNA double helix and the completion of the Human Genome Project during DNA Day at Frost Science!

Scientists from the Hussman Institute for Human Genomics at University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine will be on site with engaging, hands-on activities to help you learn about DNA, how it keeps our bodies functioning, and what it tells us about our relationships to other animals, plants and microbes.

Programming Schedule

Welcome to DNA Day 2024!
Main Atrium Level 1
Join the University of Miami’s Hussman Institute for Human Genomics to celebrate DNA Day! This day marks the anniversary of the discovery of the DNA double helix and the completion of the Human Genome Project.

Meet the Scientists
Ocean Gallery Stage, 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Gather ‘round for a short, engaging talk on genetics and ancestry.

The Strawberry Patch
meLab Level 3
Become a scientist! Extract DNA from strawberries using household ingredients.

Baby Shark
meLab Level 3
Join in a fun and educational coloring activity to learn about inherited traits.

Tree of Traits
meLab Level 2
What are your unique features? Add your own leaf to our “population” tree of genetic traits.

The Double Helix
meLab Level 2
Create your very own strand of DNA.

CSI Miami
meLab Level 3
Immerse yourself in the field of forensic science by using genetics to solve a mystery.

Codebreaker
meLab Level 2
Decipher a message encoded in DNA and investigate the technology of CRISPR genome editing.

Genetic Ancestry
meLab Level 3
Did you know your DNA carries information about your family’s history? Learn more about genetic ancestry, then mark your own origins on the map.

Mendel’s Garden
meLab Level 2
Go back more than 150 years in time to discover Gregor Mendel’s classic experiments that demonstrated how genetic traits are inherited.