dna science experiments high school

30 Best Science Experiments & Projects for High School

Welcome to our round-up of top science fair projects and science experiments tailored specifically for curious high school students.

Science fair is not just about the glitz and glamour of a first-place trophy; it’s about the passion, the inquiry, and the insatiable curiosity that drive every scientist, young and old. Hopefully, our curated list of the best hands-on science fair projects for high school students will ignite that curiosity in you.

Each project on this list offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into scientific inquiry and present findings with both clarity and flair.

Let’s dive in and make learning an unforgettable adventure!

1. Burn Calories

Don’t miss this opportunity to unravel the mysteries of energy transformation and uncover the scientific secrets hidden in the simplest of substances!

Learn more: Science Buddies

2. Extracting DNA from Strawberry

By following a series of simple yet insightful steps, students will witness the magical moment of DNA extraction, fostering a deeper appreciation for the fundamental building blocks of life.

Learn more: Extracting DNA from Strawberry

3. Build a Simple DIY Newton’s Cradle

As students assemble the materials and witness the rhythmic dance of swinging spheres, they will witness the scientific principles they’ve learned in the classroom come to life before their eyes.

4. Make a Monster Dry Ice Bubbles

Unleash your inner mad scientist and learn how to make Monster Dry Ice Bubbles with this high school science experiment!

Get ready to be captivated as you create giant, spooky bubbles that dance and swirl with the mysterious power of dry ice.

Learn more: Wonder How To

5. Soil Erosion Experiment

As stewards of our environment, it’s crucial to comprehend the impact of natural processes like soil erosion.

Through this experiment, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of soil conservation and sustainable land management practices.

Learn more: Life is a Garden

6. Candle Carousel

This experiment combines the wonders of physics with the art of crafting, making it an enriching experience that ignites curiosity and fosters a deeper appreciation for the elegant dance of energy in our world.

7. Find Out if Water Conducts Electricity

In this captivating activity, students will explore the conductive properties of water and unlock the secrets of how electrical currents flow through different substances.

Learn more: Rookie Parenting

8. Roller Coaster Stem Experiment

By experimenting with various designs and track configurations, students will refine their problem-solving skills and gain valuable insights into the practical applications of physics and engineering.

Learn more: STEM Project

9. Lemon Battery

Engaging in this experiment not only teaches the basics of electrical circuits but also sparks curiosity about the natural world and the science behind it.

Learn more: Coffee Cups and Crayons

10. Watering Plants Using Different Liquids

Discover the wonders of plant hydration with the intriguing high school science experiment – “Watering Plants Using Different Liquids.” In this captivating project, students explore how various liquids impact plant growth and health.

Learn more: Lemon Lime Adventures

11. Measure Electrolytes Found in Sports Drinks

By conducting a series of tests and analyses, students will quantify the electrolyte content present in various sports drinks.

12. Relight the Flame Without Directly Touching It

This captivating project challenges students to learn about the intriguing properties of heat transfer and combustion.

By exploring different methods to reignite a candle flame without physical contact, students will uncover the secrets of heat conduction, convection, and radiation.

Learn more: Stevespangler

13. Conduct Fingerprint Analysis

This captivating project immerses students in the intriguing world of crime scene investigations, where they will uncover the uniqueness of fingerprints and their role in forensic science.

14. Separate Water Into Hydrogen And Oxygen Using Electrolysis

This electrifying project allows students to explore electrolysis and the decomposition of water into its elemental components.

Learn more: Navigating by Joy

15. Simple Color Detection Circuit 

This experiment not only introduces fundamental concepts in electronics and circuitry but also opens up endless possibilities for real-life applications, from automated sorting systems to color-sensitive devices.

16. Carbon Sugar Snake

This enchanting project allows students to witness a dazzling display of science as they combine common household ingredients to create a dark, coiling “snake” made of carbon.

Learn more: Kiwi Co

17. Build a Hydraulic Elevator

This captivating project invites students to learn about engineering and fluid mechanics. By constructing a working model of a hydraulic elevator, students will explore the principles of Pascal’s law and the fascinating concept of fluid pressure.

Learn more: Teach Beside Me

18. Brew up Some Root Beer

This enticing project invites students to explore the fascinating world of chemistry and fermentation while creating their own delicious and bubbly concoction.

Learn more: Home School Creations

19. Extracting Bismuth From Pepto-Bismol Tablets

This hands-on experiment not only sheds light on the principles of chemistry and lab techniques but also highlights the real-world applications of bismuth in medicine and various industries.

Learn more: Popscie

20. Solar-Powered Water Desalination

By designing and building a solar-powered water desalination system, students will learn how to harness the sun’s energy to purify saltwater and make it safe for consumption.

21. Applying Hooke’s Law: Make Your Own Spring Scale

By designing and constructing their very own spring scale, students will uncover the principles of Hooke’s Law and the relationship between force and displacement in a spring system.

22. Homemade Hand Warmer

By creating their own hand warmers using safe and easily accessible materials, students will witness the magic of heat generation through chemical processes.

Learn more: Steve Spangler

23. Explore the Concept of Symbiosis Involving Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria.

By investigating how certain plants form a mutually beneficial bond with these bacteria, students will gain insights into the essential role of nitrogen fixation in the ecosystem.

Learn more: Education.com

24. Center of Gravity Experiment

This fascinating project invites students to explore the concept of the center of gravity and its role in determining stability.

25. Power up Homemade Batteries

This captivating project invites students to learn about electrochemistry and energy generation.

Learn more: 123 Homeschool

26. Film Canister Explosions

Prepare for a blast of excitement and chemistry with the high school science experiment – “Film Canister Explosions!” This project teaches students about chemical reactions and pressure build-up.

27. Investigating Osmosis with Potato Slices

This hands-on experiment not only provides a practical understanding of osmosis but also highlights its relevance in everyday life, from understanding plant hydration to food preservation techniques.

28. Make Homemade Fly Trap

This captivating “Make Homemade Fly Trap!” project invites students to explore the principles of pest control and observe the behavior of flies.

29. Hydroponics: Gardening Without Soil

This exciting project invites students to explore innovative agricultural practices that harness water and nutrient solutions to grow plants.

By setting up their hydroponic system and nurturing plants through this method, students will witness the fascinating dynamics of root development and nutrient absorption.

30. Clothespin Airplane

As they test and modify their creations, students will learn about the principles of lift, thrust, and drag, gaining a deeper understanding of how these forces come together to keep airplanes soaring through the skies.

Learn more: Steamsational

Similar Posts:

• 68 Best Chemistry Experiments: Learn About Chemical Reactions
• 37 Water Science Experiments: Fun & Easy
• Top 40 Fun LEGO Science Experiments

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Introduction to Genomics
• Educational Resources
• Policy Issues in Genomics
• The Human Genome Project
• Funding Opportunities
• Funded Programs & Projects
• Division and Program Directors
• Scientific Program Analysts
• Contacts by Research Area
• News & Events
• Research Areas
• Research Investigators
• Research Projects
• Clinical Research
• Data Tools & Resources
• Genomics & Medicine
• Family Health History
• For Patients & Families
• For Health Professionals
• Jobs at NHGRI
• Training at NHGRI
• Funding for Research Training
• Professional Development Programs
• NHGRI Culture
• Social Media
• Broadcast Media
• Image Gallery
• Press Resources
• Organization
• NHGRI Director
• Mission and Vision
• Policies and Guidance
• Institute Advisors
• Strategic Vision
• Leadership Initiatives
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Partner with NHGRI
• Staff Search

DNA from the Beginning Lesson Plan

This lesson is based on an award-winning DNA from the Beginning website, an animated primer on the basics of DNA, genes and heredity.

The lesson plan is organized around key concepts, concentrating on high school level activities under the  Molecules of Genetics  section of the  DNA from the Beginning  website. The science behind each concept is explained on the site using animations, an image gallery, video interviews, problems, biographies and links.

In addition to the Molecules of Genetics covered in this lesson, the website includes two other sections of possible interest for further study: Classical Genetics (basics) and Genetic Organization and Control (advanced level).

This study guide will be used to familiarize students with the Molecules of Genetics section of the  DNA from the Beginning  website. It is intended for middle school to high school students. The lesson should take two class periods.

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Give examples of one scientific discovery building on another.
• Summarize the sequence of discoveries that led to our current understanding of DNA.

Day One Lesson

Start the lesson by giving out the list of numbered questions (#15-28) provided below. The numbering of the questions corresponds to the numbering of the corresponding concept headings presented on  DNA from the Beginning . The corresponding concept headings with additional information are located on the Web site under the section entitled  Molecules of Genetics [www.dnaftb.org]. Students may click on the Molecules of Genetics button on the Web site home page to reach the corresponding concept headings (#15-28 are listed down the right side of the Web page) that they may click on to get the information they need to answer the questions posed in this lesson. After answering each question, students may click on the PROBLEM button located at the bottom of each concept page and use their problem-solving skills further.

Molecules of Genetics Questions

• Why did most scientists think that proteins were the most likely candidates to transfer hereditary information from one generation to another?
• In the PROBLEM section: How did you calculate that in a tetranucleotide block in which the order is random and each nucleotide is used only once, there could be 24 different combinations?
• What did Archibald Garrod propose as the cause for the phenotype of the disease of dark urine?
• How did George Beadle and Edward Tatum prove what Garrod proposed?
• What concept was developed from the work with bread mold of Beadle and Tatum?
• From the PROBLEM section: How can you decide that the order of the synthesis pathway is MutC, MutA, MutE?
• How did Oswald Avery show that the transforming principal was DNA?
• Why did Avery identify a gene as the genetic molecule that transfers hereditary information and not a protein?
• From the PROBLEM section: Why does adding DNA from the R strain not transform the R to S?
• What evidence indicated that bacteria had genes?
• How did Alfred Hershey's experiments with viruses support Avery's earlier experiments with bacteria?
• From the PROBLEM section: When the F factor is integrated into the bacterial chromosome, can it still act as a donor in a conjugation cross?
• What type of technology helped to show that DNA was shaped like a twisted ladder?
• What part of the molecule forms the rungs of the ladder?
• What part of the molecule forms the sides of the ladder?
• From the PROBLEM section: How can you illustrate the structure of DNA as a right-handed double helix?
• How did the discovery of the enzyme DNA polymerase play in the understanding for the process of DNA replication?
• What is the difference between the conserved strand of DNA and the complementary strand?
• From the PROBLEM section: Meselson and Stahl showed that DNA replication is semi-conservative. What would the contents of tubes 1-4 look like to illustrate this finding?
• What is the "Central Dogma?"
• What is the difference between transcription and translation of the DNA message?
• From the PROBLEM section: How would you describe two types of genetic mutations? How do the mutations change the protein product?
• How does a three-letter code make it possible to make 64 different combinations?
• Why was it believed that it was necessary to have a three-letter code?
• What is a codon?
• From the PROBLEM section: Why can there be more then one possible mRNA sequence for a peptide sequence?
• How would you define a gene?
• What is DNA sequencing?
• From the PROBLEM section: How do you read an autoradiogram of a gene sequencing gel?
• What happens to mRNA when there is no binding region of DNA to match?
• What is the difference between an intron and exon?
• From the PROBLEM section: What causes a doublet to form in a gel sequence?
• From the PROBLEM section: How can you detect the exon regions on an electron micrograph of a DNA/RNA hybrid?
• How does a retrovirus carry out the process of infection?
• What type of enzyme is necessary for reverse transcription to take place?
• From the PROBLEM section: How can a viral vector be a useful tool in research?
• Why does RNA play so many roles in the flow of genetic information?
• Why bother storing genetic information in DNA, if RNA alone could do the job?
• From the PROBLEM section: How was it proved that base pairing was important for a self-splicing reaction in RNA?
• What types of DNA mutations can occur?
• What are the possible results of DNA mutations?
• From the PROBLEM section: Why is the number of mutations proportional to the length of time that two groups have been separated?
• What might be the central role of DNA repair enzymes?
• What are the positive results of DNA mutations?
• From the PROBLEM section: Why do you think UV light inhibits DNA replication?

Day Two Lesson

Review the homework assignments by discussing the answers to the questions. You can have the students discuss the problem-solving activities and how they were able to work through them. Group discussion of the meta-cognition may help students think through other problems in a similar manner.

To extend this lesson, click on the BIO button and LINKS button located at the bottom of the  Molecules of Genetics  under the answers to the specific questions (#15-28).

Last updated: February 28, 2012

What are Some Good DNA Lab Experiments?

There has never been a more exciting time to teach high school and college biology. And thanks to Modern Biology, there has never been a more exciting time to teach high school and college biology students about DNA.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the hands-on experiences of science education you can offer your students with Modern Biology’s DNA lab experiments.

Sometimes, discussions with students reveal that they don’t really “get” the structure of DNA.  With Modern Biology’s   B1-1: Properties of DNA biology, teachers at every level can discuss the molecular geometry  of DNA while students extract visible strands of DNA and manipulate the glass rods.

This laboratory exercise can even be useful for college students. It brings even the least confident students into the discussion of transcription, replication, and repair of DNA sequences.

Hands-On Experience of Differences in DNA

In a slightly more advanced but still-simple exercise, students can compare the length of the molecules in a test sample of DNA against six standards of DNA of known length with Modern Biology’s EXP 101: Length of DNA . This simple experiment prepares students for EXP 106: Protein Fingerprinting , EXP 201: Determining the Molecular Weight of a Protein , and EXP 202: Identifying Sex-Specific Proteins , 

Gaining Basic Skills in DNA Analysis

There are biology students at every level who aren’t really sure of what proteins are. They may not have had lab work that gives them intuitive insights into how they may be observed and compared until they participate in a lab exercise like Modern Biology’s   EXP-101 Electrophoretic Separation of Proteins .

This experiment is not just a demonstration of how scientists identify proteins. It is a hands-on experience with electrophoresis in the lab in which students compare the migration of a control against the migration of an experimental protein across a charged agarose gel.

There are a number of basic lab skills that are reinforced in this experiment. Students have to weigh the agarose they use to make the gel. They have to ensure the gel in the electrophoresis chamber is maintained at an appropriate temperature and pH. They have to measure the gel so it leaves wells in the gel into which they pipette the sample and controls, and they have to become adept with micropipettors.

These basic manual skills are essential for future work, and learning them adds kinesthetic learning to the laboratory experience.

Teaching DNA in a Social Context

DNA isn’t just a supremely significant biological substance, it is also a construct in understanding human relations.

Many students already know something about sickle cell disease. Modern Biology gives them an opportunity to test for the genes that cause it with   EXP 102: Genetics and Sickle Cell Anemia .

Students begin by studying the differences in electrophoretic dispersal of normal hemoglobin and hemoglobin with sickle cell trait. They then test a sample of their own blood for sickle cell genes.

Opportunities for rich discussion ensue. This experiment gives students opportunities to write term papers and research papers across a variety of courses.

Modern Biology transforms teaching about DNA from a didactic exercise into an experimental exploration. Every Modern Biology experiment requires students to form and test a hypothesis, and to record their process and results in professionally acceptable language and form. 

When you take advantage of the tools Modern Biology, you can integrate the scientific method into your teaching every day. Modern Biology takes high school and college biology beyond being a merely descriptive course. We provide all the non-toxic, student-safe reagents and test materials you need for every lab exercise, at a price that won’t strain your budget. 

Over 500,000 students learn biology with the help of Modern Biology Inc. products every year. We want to show you why thousands of teachers trust our products. Contact  Modern Biology Inc online or call us at  (765) 446-4220 from 9 to 5 Eastern Time weekdays for more information.

⚠️ Due to Customs restrictions, we only accept orders from educational institutions within the Continental United States, Alaska or Hawaii. Dismiss

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Free printable to elevate your AI game 🤖

70 Best High School Science Fair Projects in Every Subject

Fire up the Bunsen burners!

The cool thing about high school science fair projects is that kids are old enough to tackle some pretty amazing concepts. Some science experiments for high school are just advanced versions of simpler projects they did when they were younger, with detailed calculations or fewer instructions. Other projects involve fire, chemicals, or other materials they couldn’t use before.

Note: Some of these projects were written as classroom labs but can be adapted to become science fair projects too. Just consider variables that you can change up, like materials or other parameters. That changes a classroom activity into a true scientific method experiment!

To make it easier to find the right high school science fair project idea for you, we’ve rated all the projects by difficulty and the materials needed:

Difficulty:

• Easy: Low or no-prep experiments you can do pretty much anytime
• Medium: These take a little more setup or a longer time to complete
• Advanced: Experiments like these take a fairly big commitment of time or effort
• Basic: Simple items you probably already have around the house
• Medium: Items that you might not already have but are easy to get your hands on
• Advanced: These require specialized or more expensive supplies to complete
• Biology and Life Sciences High School Science Fair Projects

Chemistry High School Science Fair Projects

Physics high school science fair projects, engineering high school stem fair projects, biology and life science high school science fair projects.

Explore the living world with these biology science project ideas, learning more about plants, animals, the environment, and much more.

Extract DNA from an onion

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

You don’t need a lot of supplies to perform this experiment, but it’s impressive nonetheless. Turn this into a science fair project by trying it with other fruits and vegetables too.

Re-create Mendel’s pea plant experiment

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium ADVERTISEMENT

Gregor Mendel’s pea plant experiments were some of the first to explore inherited traits and genetics. Try your own cross-pollination experiments with fast-growing plants like peas or beans.

Make plants move with light

By this age, kids know that many plants move toward sunlight, a process known as phototropism. So high school science fair projects on this topic need to introduce variables into the process, like covering seedling parts with different materials to see the effects.

Test the 5-second rule

We’d all like to know the answer to this one: Is it really safe to eat food you’ve dropped on the floor? Design and conduct an experiment to find out (although we think we might already know the answer).

Find out if color affects taste

Just how interlinked are all our senses? Does the sight of food affect how it tastes? Find out with a fun food science fair project like this one!

See the effects of antibiotics on bacteria

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Advanced

Bacteria can be divided into two groups: gram-positive and gram-negative. In this experiment, students first determine the two groups, then try the effects of various antibiotics on them. You can get a gram stain kit , bacillus cereus and rhodospirillum rubrum cultures, and antibiotic discs from Home Science Tools.

Learn more: Antibiotics Project at Home Science Tools

Witness the carbon cycle in action

Experiment with the effects of light on the carbon cycle. Make this science fair project even more interesting by adding some small aquatic animals like snails or fish into the mix.

Learn more: Carbon Cycle at Science Lessons That Rock

Look for cell mitosis in an onion

Cell mitosis (division) is actually easy to see in action when you look at onion root tips under a microscope. Students will be amazed to see science theory become science reality right before their eyes. Adapt this lab into a high school science fair project by applying the process to other organisms too.

Test the effects of disinfectants

Grow bacteria in a petri dish along with paper disks soaked in various antiseptics and disinfectants. You’ll be able to see which ones effectively inhibit bacteria growth.

Learn more: Effectiveness of Antiseptics and Disinfectants at Amy Brown Science

Pit hydroponics against soil

Growing vegetables without soil (hydroponics) is a popular trend, allowing people to garden just about anywhere.

More Life Sciences and Biology Science Fair Projects for High School

Use these questions and ideas to design your own experiment:

• Explore ways to prevent soil erosion.
• What are the most accurate methods of predicting various weather patterns?
• Try out various fertilization methods to find the best and safest way to increase crop yield.
• What’s the best way to prevent mold growth on food for long-term storage?
• Does exposure to smoke or other air pollutants affect plant growth?
• Compare the chemical and/or bacterial content of various water sources (bottled, tap, spring, well water, etc.).
• Explore ways to clean up after an oil spill on land or water.
• Conduct a wildlife field survey in a given area and compare it to results from previous surveys.
• Find a new use for plastic bottles or bags to keep them out of landfills.
• Devise a way to desalinate seawater and make it safe to drink.

Bunsen burners, beakers and test tubes, and the possibility of (controlled) explosions? No wonder chemistry is such a popular topic for high school science fair projects!

Break apart covalent bonds

Break the covalent bond of H 2 O into H and O with this simple experiment. You only need simple supplies for this one. Turn it into a science fair project by changing up the variables—does the temperature of the water matter? What happens if you try this with other liquids?

Learn more: Covalent Bonds at Teaching Without Chairs

Measure the calories in various foods

Are the calorie counts on your favorite snacks accurate? Build your own calorimeter and find out! This kit from Home Science Tools has all the supplies you’ll need.

Detect latent fingerprints

Forensic science is engrossing and can lead to important career opportunities too. Explore the chemistry needed to detect latent (invisible) fingerprints, just like they do for crime scenes!

Learn more: Fingerprints Project at Hub Pages

Use Alka-Seltzer to explore reaction rate

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Easy

Tweak this basic concept to create a variety of high school chemistry science fair projects. Change the temperature, surface area, pressure, and more to see how reaction rates change.

Determine whether sports drinks provide more electrolytes than OJ

Are those pricey sports drinks really worth it? Try this experiment to find out. You’ll need some special equipment for this one; buy a complete kit at Home Science Tools .

Turn flames into a rainbow

You’ll need to get your hands on a few different chemicals for this experiment, but the wow factor will make it worth the effort! Make it a science project by seeing if different materials, air temperature, or other factors change the results.

Discover the size of a mole

The mole is a key concept in chemistry, so it’s important to ensure students really understand it. This experiment uses simple materials like salt and chalk to make an abstract concept more concrete. Make it a project by applying the same procedure to a variety of substances, or determining whether outside variables have an effect on the results.

Learn more: How Big Is a Mole? at Amy Brown Science

Cook up candy to learn mole and molecule calculations

This edible experiment lets students make their own peppermint hard candy while they calculate mass, moles, molecules, and formula weights. Tweak the formulas to create different types of candy and make this into a sweet science fair project!

Learn more: Candy Chemistry at Dunigan Science on TpT

Make soap to understand saponification

Take a closer look at an everyday item: soap! Use oils and other ingredients to make your own soap, learning about esters and saponification. Tinker with the formula to find one that fits a particular set of parameters.

Learn more: Saponification at Chemistry Solutions on TpT

Uncover the secrets of evaporation

Explore the factors that affect evaporation, then come up with ways to slow them down or speed them up for a simple science fair project.

Learn more: Evaporation at Science Projects

More Chemistry Science Fair Projects for High School

These questions and ideas can spark ideas for a unique experiment:

• Compare the properties of sugar and artificial sweeteners.
• Explore the impact of temperature, concentration, and seeding on crystal growth.
• Test various antacids on the market to find the most effective product.
• What is the optimum temperature for yeast production when baking bread from scratch?
• Compare the vitamin C content of various fruits and vegetables.
• How does temperature affect enzyme-catalyzed reactions?
• Investigate the effects of pH on an acid-base chemical reaction.
• Devise a new natural way to test pH levels (such as cabbage leaves).
• What’s the best way to slow down metal oxidation (the form of rust)?
• How do changes in ingredients and method affect the results of a baking recipe?

When you think of physics science projects for high school, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the classic build-a-bridge. But there are plenty of other ways for teens to get hands-on with physics concepts. Here are some to try.

Remove the air in a DIY vacuum chamber

You can use a vacuum chamber to do lots of cool high school science fair projects, but a ready-made one can be expensive. Try this project to make your own with basic supplies.

Learn more: Vacuum Chamber at Instructables

Put together a mini Tesla coil

Looking for a simple but showy high school science fair project? Build your own mini Tesla coil and wow the crowd!

Boil water in a paper cup

Logic tells us we shouldn’t set a paper cup over a heat source, right? Yet it’s actually possible to boil water in a paper cup without burning the cup up! Learn about heat transfer and thermal conductivity with this experiment. Go deeper by trying other liquids like honey to see what happens.

Build a better light bulb

Emulate Edison and build your own simple light bulb. You can turn this into a science fair project by experimenting with different types of materials for filaments.

Measure the speed of light—with your microwave

Grab an egg and head to your microwave for this surprisingly simple experiment. By measuring the distance between cooked portions of egg whites, you’ll be able to calculate the wavelength of the microwaves in your oven and, in turn, the speed of light.

Generate a Lichtenberg figure

See electricity in action when you generate and capture a Lichtenberg figure with polyethylene sheets, wood, or even acrylic and toner. Change the electrical intensity and materials to see what types of patterns you can create.

Learn more: Lichtenberg Figure at Science Notes

Explore the power of friction with sticky note pads

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic

Ever try to pull a piece of paper out of the middle of a big stack? It’s harder than you think it would be! That’s due to the power of friction. In this experiment, students interleave the sheets of two sticky note pads, then measure how much weight it takes to pull them apart. The results are astonishing!

Build a cloud chamber to prove background radiation

Ready to dip your toe into particle physics? Learn about background radiation and build a cloud chamber to prove the existence of muons.

Measure the effect of temperature on resistance

This is a popular and classic science fair experiment in physics. You’ll need a few specialized supplies, but they’re pretty easy to find.

Learn more: Temperature and Resistance at Science Project

Launch the best bottle rocket

A basic bottle rocket is pretty easy to build, but it opens the door to lots of different science fair projects. Design a powerful launcher, alter the rocket so it flies higher or farther, or use only recycled materials for your flyer.

More Physics Science Fair Projects for High School

Design your own experiment in response to these questions and prompts.

• Determine the most efficient solar panel design and placement.
• What’s the best way to eliminate friction between two objects?
• Explore the best methods of insulating an object against heat loss.
• What effect does temperature have on batteries when stored for long periods of time?
• Test the effects of magnets or electromagnetic fields on plants or other living organisms.
• Determine the best angle and speed of a bat swing in baseball.
• What’s the best way to soundproof an area or reduce noise produced by an item?
• Explore methods for reducing air resistance in automotive design.
• Use the concepts of torque and rotation to perfect a golf swing.
• Compare the strength and durability of various building materials.

Many schools are changing up their science fairs to STEM fairs, to encourage students with an interest in engineering to participate. Many great engineering science fair projects start with a STEM challenge, like those shown here. Use these ideas to spark a full-blown project to build something new and amazing!

Construct a model maglev train

Maglev trains may just be the future of mass transportation. Build a model at home, and explore ways to implement the technology on a wider basis.

Learn more: Maglev Model Train at Supermagnete

Design a more efficient wind turbine

Wind energy is renewable, making it a good solution for the fossil fuel problem. For a smart science fair project, experiment to find the most efficient wind turbine design for a given situation.

Re-create Da Vinci’s flying machine

Da Vinci sketched several models of “flying machines” and hoped to soar through the sky. Do some research into his models and try to reconstruct one of your own.

Learn more: Da Vinci Flying Machine at Student Savvy

Design a heart-rate monitor

Smartwatches are ubiquitous these days, so pretty much anyone can wear a heart-rate monitor on their wrist. But do they work any better than one you can build yourself? Get the specialized items you need like the Arduino LilyPad Board on Amazon.

Race 3D printed cars

3D printers are a marvel of the modern era, and budding engineers should definitely learn to use them. Use Tinkercad or a similar program to design and print race cars that can support a defined weight, then see which can roll the fastest! (No 3D printer in your STEM lab? Check the local library. Many of them have 3D printers available for patrons to use.)

Learn more: 3D Printed Cars at Instructables

Grow veggies in a hydroponic garden

Hydroponics is the gardening wave of the future, making it easy to grow plants anywhere with minimal soil required. For a science fair STEM engineering challenge, design and construct your own hydroponic garden capable of growing vegetables to feed a family. This model is just one possible option.

Learn more: Hydroponics at Instructables

Grab items with a mechanical claw

Delve into robotics with this engineering project. This kit includes all the materials you need, with complete video instructions. Once you’ve built the basic structure, tinker around with the design to improve its strength, accuracy, or other traits.

Learn more: Hydraulic Claw at KiwiCo

Construct a crystal radio

Return to the good old days and build a radio from scratch. This makes a cool science fair project if you experiment with different types of materials for the antenna. It takes some specialized equipment, but fortunately, Home Science Tools has an all-in-one kit for this project.

Learn more: Crystal Radio at Scitoys.com

Build a burglar alarm

The challenge? Set up a system to alert you when someone has broken into your house or classroom. This can take any form students can dream up, and you can customize this STEM high school science experiment for multiple skill levels. Keep it simple with an alarm that makes a sound that can be heard from a specified distance. Or kick it up a notch and require the alarm system to send a notification to a cell phone, like the project at the link.

Learn more: Intruder Alarm at Instructables

Walk across a plastic bottle bridge

Balsa wood bridges are OK, but this plastic bottle bridge is really impressive! In fact, students can build all sorts of structures using the concept detailed at the link. It’s the ultimate upcycled STEM challenge!

Learn more: TrussFab Structures at Instructables

Looking for more science content? Check out the Best Science Websites for Middle and High School .

Plus, get all the latest teaching tips and tricks when you sign up for our newsletters .

You Might Also Like

The Big List of Science Fair Project Ideas, Resources, and More

Options for every age, interest, and skill level! Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

• News/Events
• Arts and Sciences
• Design and the Arts
• Engineering
• Global Futures
• Health Solutions
• Nursing and Health Innovation
• Public Service and Community Solutions
• University College
• Thunderbird School of Global Management
• Polytechnic
• Downtown Phoenix
• Online and Extended
• Lake Havasu
• Research Park
• Washington D.C.
• Biology Bits
• Bird Finder
• Coloring Pages
• Experiments and Activities
• Games and Simulations
• Quizzes in Other Languages
• Virtual Reality (VR)
• World of Biology
• Meet Our Biologists
• Listen and Watch
• PLOSable Biology
• All About Autism
• Xs and Ys: How Our Sex Is Decided
• When Blood Types Shouldn’t Mix: Rh and Pregnancy
• What Is the Menstrual Cycle?
• Understanding Intersex
• The Mysterious Case of the Missing Periods
• Summarizing Sex Traits
• Shedding Light on Endometriosis
• Periods: What Should You Expect?
• Menstruation Matters
• Investigating In Vitro Fertilization
• Introducing the IUD
• How Fast Do Embryos Grow?
• Helpful Sex Hormones
• Getting to Know the Germ Layers
• Gender versus Biological Sex: What’s the Difference?
• Gender Identities and Expression
• Focusing on Female Infertility
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Pregnancy
• Ectopic Pregnancy: An Unexpected Path
• Creating Chimeras
• Confronting Human Chimerism
• Cells, Frozen in Time
• EvMed Edits
• Stories in Other Languages
• Virtual Reality
• Zoom Gallery
• Ugly Bug Galleries
• Ask a Question
• Top Questions
• Question Guidelines
• Permissions
• Information Collected
• Author and Artist Notes
• Share Ask A Biologist
• Articles & News
• Our Volunteers
• Teacher Toolbox

show/hide words to know

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): molecular instructions that guide how all living things develop and function... more

Can You Really See DNA?

This short activity helps students visualize one of the most important molecules on the planet, DNA. The activity can be done with simple materials found in most homes. We use bananas, but strawberries or other fruit soft enough to mush up can also be used. The activity is written for students at a middle school or higher level, but with more intense guidance, this activity is useful for students of any age.

Tips for Classroom Implementation

Time Required : 45 minutes

Classroom set-up:

• One container of soap and salt should be more than enough for a large class to use, but we suggest having two of each on hand just in case.
• This activity generally works better with small groups of students each working on their own banana extraction. This also makes it likely that at least one group will have very visible DNA.
• Make sure to have extra zip bags and extra coffee filters on hand, in case any break.
• If a coffee filter breaks and banana mush falls to the bottom of the glass, pour it back into the bag, secure a new filter, and pour the mush back in more slowly, letting it drain as you pour.

When combined with additional reading from Ask A Biologist, or additional short assignments, this DNA extraction activity can meet several learning standards.

• The story “ DNA ABCs ” will help students understand the importance of DNA to life, as well as the chemical and physical structure of DNA.
• The story page “ Getting Genetics Straight ” will help students differentiate between genes and chromosomes, and understand alleles.
• For high school students, the story “ Controlling Genes ” will help them understand protein synthesis.
• ~37 trillion cells in an adult human body (3.7 x 1013)
• 6.5 pico-grams of DNA per cell (6.5 x 10-12)
• ~250 grams of DNA or more (~9 ounces)

• The story “ Building Blocks of Life ” will help students understand the cell structure and function.
• The story “ Cells Living in Cells ” will help students understand the different cell types that exist.
• Students will grasp that small molecules are tangible.
• Students will follow directions and understand that basic chemicals (salts and detergents) can be used to break down cells and cell parts and to make molecules stick to other molecules.
• EXTENSION: Students will gain a basic understanding of the structure of DNA.
• EXTENSION: Students will understand cells and that they broke apart the cell membrane and the nuclear membrane to reach the DNA.

Next Generation Science Standards

High School Life Sciences

HS-LS-1.A:         Structure and Function. All cells contain genetic information in the form of DNA molecules. Genes are regions in the DNA that contain the instructions that code for the formation of proteins, which carry out most of the work of cells.

Arizona Science Standards

Strand 4: Life Science

Concept 1 : Characteristics of Organisms

Kindergarten   PO 1. Distinguish between living things and non-living things.

Grade 6          

(Cellular Extension) PO 2. Describe the basic structure of a cell, including: cell wall, cell membrane, and nucleus.

(Cellular Extension) PO 3. Describe the function of each of the following cell parts: cell wall, cell membrane, and nucleus.

(Cellular Extension) PO 4. Differentiate between plant and animal cells.

Concept 2 : Molecular Basis of Heredity

Grades 9 – 12  (Genetic Extension) PO 1. Analyze the relationships among nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), genes, and chromosomes.

(Genetic Extension) PO 2. Describe the molecular basis of heredity, in viruses and living things, including DNA replication and protein synthesis.

Common Core standards

Grades 6 - 8:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.3

Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.10

By the end of grade 8, read and comprehend science/technical texts in the grades 6-8 text complexity band independently and proficiently.

DNA basics: 8th grade

Getting genetics straight: 8th grade

Building blocks of life: 7th grade

Grades 9 - 10:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.3

Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks, attending to special cases or exceptions defined in the text.

Controlling genes: 9th grade

Cells living in cells: 10th grade

Read more about: Seeing DNA

View citation, bibliographic details:.

• Article: DNA Extraction - For Teachers
• Author(s): Melissa Wilson Sayres
• Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
• Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
• Date published: May 14, 2016
• Date accessed: September 11, 2024
• Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/DNA-activity-teachers

Melissa Wilson Sayres. (2016, May 14). DNA Extraction - For Teachers. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved September 11, 2024 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/DNA-activity-teachers

Chicago Manual of Style

Melissa Wilson Sayres. "DNA Extraction - For Teachers". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 14 May, 2016. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/DNA-activity-teachers

MLA 2017 Style

Melissa Wilson Sayres. "DNA Extraction - For Teachers". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 14 May 2016. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 11 Sep 2024. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/DNA-activity-teachers

Watch Biologist Melissa Wilson Sayres as she walks you through this experiment in this 4 minute video .

Download the -

Banana DNA activity (PDF)

Be Part of Ask A Biologist

By volunteering, or simply sending us feedback on the site. Scientists, teachers, writers, illustrators, and translators are all important to the program. If you are interested in helping with the website we have a Volunteers page to get the process started.

Share to Google Classroom

DNA Project Ideas for High School

How to Write a School Project Proposal

One way to teach high school biology classes about genetics is to do DNA project. Because the idea of DNA is difficult for many students to conceptualize, interactive activities are one route to take when planning a DNA project. In-depth studies of DNA usually take place after some direct instruction on the basic terms and concepts.

Perhaps the most common DNA project in high school, many biology classes require students to construct a model of a double helix using any material they desire. This activity is helpful because not only do students have to have an understanding of DNA to complete the assignment, they also have to apply their understanding. This project allows students to think creatively about how to construct their model. By allowing the class to choose their own materials to make the model, students must problem solve and use critical thinking skills to complete the task.

National Geographic Genographic Project

National Geographic's Genographic Project is constructing a global genetic database and, for a fee, will trace any person's mitochondrial DNA to "reveal direct maternal ancestry." The package includes a cheek-swab kit and a DVD of the National Geographic Channel/PBS production "The Journey of Man." For this project, discuss the process of tracing genetic information with students before announcing that you will trace your own maternal ancestral background through your DNA. After receiving your genetic background information, share it with the class and ask students to write about how our new capabilities of DNA analysis help people. If you are not comfortable conducting the DNA analysis on yourself, find a co-worker who would like to volunteer.

Biotechnology Partnerships

Many state universities offer biotechnology partnerships to public schools. Canvas local schools to find out if there is a similar program in your state. Some programs go so far as to provide molecular genetics (DNA science) experiments, equipment, activities and workshops to biology teachers. If there is not a specific program in your area, ask a college biology professor to be a guest speaker in your class. Using this resource may pique your students' interest in continuing education and may offer access to equipment that is not available in most high school science labs.

Related Articles

The Best Medical Colleges for Criminal Forensic Science

Statistics Used in Biology Experiments

High school chemistry lab equipment list.

What Types of Classes Do You Have to Take in College to Become an ...

How to Make a Rough Draft on Science Projects

Topic Ideas for a Research Paper on Criminal Investigations and ...

What Classes Do You Have to Take to Be a Profiler?

What Are the Interesting Research Topics for High School Physics?

• University of Arizona: Biotech Project: About
• National Geographic: The Genographic Project

Julia Klaus has been a writer and copy editor for three years. She has edited books including "Top Dollar Plumber" by Sid Southerland and is contributer to eHow. Klaus has experience writing web copy and training manuals and has a Bachelor of Arts in English as well as a Master of Arts in teaching from the University of Portland.

• Earth Science
• Physical Science
• Social Science
• Medical Science
• Mathematics
• Paleontology

Dna Science Projects for High School Students

DNA is called the “ladder of life,” and rightly so. Every living organism on planet Earth has DNA as its hereditary molecule. What’s more, the code that DNA contains, in which every three bases is the code for a specific amino acid, is the same for all living things, whether you’re looking at bacteria or buffalo, amoebas or anteaters.

DNA is simple to extract from living cells, but to do anything interesting with that DNA requires specialized equipment and a variety of technical procedures that are well beyond the scope of this article. If you’re trying to put together a good DNA project for a science class, science fair, or competition, enlist the help of a biology teacher or a university professor. They may have some or all of the equipment you need.

EXTRACT DNA FROM LIVING TISSUE Crude DNA extraction is fairly simple. It involves mechanically breaking down cell walls (if you’re working with plant tissue), dissolving cell membranes and nuclear membranes using detergents (since cell membranes are composed of fats), separating the DNA from cellular proteins using an enzyme, dissolving the DNA in water, then precipitating the DNA using alcohol, since DNA is not soluble in alcohol.

Many tissues work well for DNA extraction, including strawberries, fresh liver, wheat germ, and onion. Strawberries happen to be pleasant to work with, so here’s a recipe for extracting DNA from strawberries:

Put 3 medium strawberries in a blender with 20 ml of water. Whir in the blender until the strawberries are liquefied. Pour into a beaker. The mechanical action of the blades will break apart cell walls. Find a clear shampoo that contains lauryl or laureth sulfate, detergents that are effective at dissolving cellular membranes. Measure 10 ml of clear shampoo in a graduated cylinder and pour into the beaker. Add two pinches of salt. The exact amount isn’t critical, but the positively-charged sodium ions from salt are needed to stick like a shield to DNA and help the DNA molecules cling together.

Place a coffee filter in a glass funnel and place the funnel into a second beaker. Pour the strawberry mixture through the filter. This will remove extra cell debris, but the DNA, which is water soluble, will go through the filter. Place the beaker in a warm water bath at 65 degrees Celsius. The heat will denature cellular proteins, but it’s not hot enough to denature the DNA. Gently stir for about 10 minutes.

Remove the beaker and add a pinch of meat tenderizer, which contains the enzyme papain. This will break down cellular proteins and separate them from the DNA. Place the beaker in an ice water bath until it cools to about room temperature.

Pour some of the liquid into a test tube. Gently pour ice cold ethyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol down the inside of the tube to create a floating layer of alcohol on top. Do not stir or shake. After a few minutes, you’ll see the interface between the alcohol and the strawberry solution turn cloudy as strands of DNA precipitate from the mixture. If you’re skillful, you can twirl some of the DNA around a stirring rod. Or use a pipette to collect the DNA.

You can try extracting DNA from other tissues using the same procedures. Try using samples of the same weight, then use a pipette to suction up the DNA extracted and drop it onto a pre-weighed coffee filter. Let the filter dry and weigh it again. Subtract the two weights to find out how much DNA you extracted. Do this with several different tissues and find out which has the most DNA. You can even extract small amounts of DNA from cells scraped from the inside of your cheek. You’ll need much smaller amounts of the extraction chemicals, of course.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH DNA? After scientists extract DNA, they may cut it with enzymes to extract pieces that they are interested in studying. They may use a PCR machine (polymerase chain reaction) to increase the quantity of DNA in the sample. They may use a technique called gel electrophoresis to separate different pieces of DNA in a slab of agar by running an electrical current through the agar.

To learn how gel electrophoresis works, the Learn Genetics site at the University of Utah has an interactive lesson. This page also describes microarrays, another tool for working with DNA: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/biotech/index.cfm

Gel electrophoresis isn’t difficult to do, but it does require specialized equipment. Electrophoresis boxes and kits can be purchased from science supply companies such as Carolina Biological Supply (http://www.carolina.com/) or Flinn Scientific (http://www.flinnsci.com/). Ask your science teacher or a university professor if there is equipment that you can use, because these supplies aren’t cheap.

If you have good woodworking skills, you can build a gel electrophoresis chamber from Plexiglas. The complete instructions are on the Learn Genetics site from the University of Utah (registration required for download): http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/basics/print-and-go/gel_electro.cfm

If you’re working with a science teacher, you might offer to build electrophoresis chambers if the teacher will help you get supplies for using them.

What other projects could you do that involve DNA? Here are two from the Learn Genetics site, with complete instructions and materials lists that you might consider: Does Sunscreen Protect My DNA? (http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/basics/print-and-go/sunscreen.cfm) Mystery Yeast Mutation (http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/basics/print-and-go/mutation.cfm)

Related posts:

10 High School Science Lab Experiments - Biology

At its core, biology aims to answer fundamental questions about the nature of life, such as how organisms are composed, how they function and maintain homeostasis, how they grow and reproduce, how they evolve and adapt to their environment, and how they interact with one another and their surroundings. 

High school biologyteachers have so many in-person and virtual lab options for high school lab experiments. We’ve broken them down into five categories:

DNA Experiments

Microscopy experiments, osmosis & diffusion experiments, bacteria experiments , genetics experiments, in-person lab: extracting dna from strawberries.

This activity teaches students about the structure and function of DNA while also demonstrating how DNA can be isolated from cells. Students crush strawberries and use a lysis buffer to break down cell and nuclear membranes, releasing the DNA. The mixture is then filtered, and rubbing alcohol is added to precipitate the DNA, making it visible as a cloudy, stringy substance.

Virtual lab: DNA: Structure and Function

In the narrative of this virtual lab, students will work as an intern for a science magazine, Science Explained. One of the magazine’s readers has written a letter. They’re confused about DNA and have some questions about its structure and function. It’s their job to find out the answers and clear things up. They’ll get to learn how DNA is structured and how DNA’s code translates to functional molecules called proteins.

In-person experiment: Onion cell microscopy

This teaches students about cell structure and function using onion epidermal cells. Students prepare a wet mount slide with a thin layer of onion cells, stain them with iodine, and observe the cells under a microscope. It allows students to visualize plant cell components, such as the cell wall, cell membrane, and nucleus, while gaining experience with microscopy techniques.

Virtual lab: Meiosis, Mitosis and Plant Gametes 

Students will use microscopy to study samples of lily anthers while helping the team at the laboratory. They’ll study the process of cell division and discover the key differences between meiosis and mitosis. 

In-person lab: Diffusion and osmosis with eggs

Students use decalcified eggs (eggs soaked in vinegar to remove the shell) to study the processes of diffusion and osmosis. By immersing the eggs in various solutions, such as distilled water or corn syrup, students can observe changes in mass and size due to the movement of water across the semi-permeable membrane of the egg.

Virtual lab: Osmosis and Diffusion: Choose the right solution for an intravenous drip

In this virtual lab, students will help save Frank’s life by choosing the correct saline solution for an intravenous drip. He’s dehydrated because of sunstroke and needs extra fluids. They’ll join our virtual lab assistant in the lab to discover what a hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic solution is and how water is transported across the cell membrane in osmosis.

Photosynthesis Experiments

In-person lab: photosynthesis and respiration in plants.

Students use an aquatic plant, such as Elodea, and a dissolved oxygen probe or a simple inverted test tube setup to measure the rate of oxygen production during photosynthesis and consumption during cellular respiration. This experiment helps students understand the complementary processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in plants.

Virtual lab: Photosynthesis: Electron transport chain

To understand how photosynthesis works, students will shrink to a tiny size and go inside the plant cell of a leaf. Travel further inside the cell into the chloroplast, and then look at the thylakoid membrane. The process of photosynthesis takes place here. Observe the different components of the electron transport chain, from the start of the chain at photosystem II to the end of the chain at ATP synthase. 

In-person experiment: Bacterial growth and antibiotic resistance

Students culture bacteria (e.g., E. coli) on agar plates and test the effectiveness of different antibiotics. They observe zones of inhibition, where bacterial growth is prevented, and learn about antibiotic resistance and the importance of proper antibiotic use.

Virtual lab: Gram Stain: How stains and counterstains work

Dive into the microscopic world and discover the colorful magic of the Gram staining procedure! Students will compare and contrast the cell wall of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by diving into their microscopic samples and observing how the cell wall structures retain certain reagents during the experiment. Discover how the four reagents of the Gram stain interact with structural components of the cell wall to color the bacteria.       

In-person experiment: Monohybrid Cross and Mendelian Genetics

Students observe the results of monohybrid crosses involving a single trait. Using Punnett squares, students predict offspring ratios and compare them with observed outcomes from live organisms, such as pea plants or fruit flies. This activity helps students understand inheritance, dominant and recessive alleles, and how traits are passed from one generation to the next.

Virtual lab: Mendelian Inheritance: From genes to traits

Did you know that more than 99% of your genes are identical to those found in any other human being on the planet? In this simulation, students will learn how Mendel's postulates can be applied to determine how characteristics are inherited by being passed from one generation to the next.

Are you excited by the idea of virtual labs? Check out our catalog of over 300 simulations and our free 30-day all-access educator’s pass. 

Labster helps universities and high schools enhance student success in STEM.

Explore More

Introducing Labster’s Back-to-School Physics Collection, Here to Make Teaching Easier

Introducing Labster’s Back-to-School Biology Collection, Here to Make Teaching Easier

Introducing Labster’s Back-to-School Chemistry Collection, Here to Make Teaching Easier

Discover The Most Immersive Digital Learning Platform.

Request a demo to discover how Labster helps high schools and universities enhance student success.

Sciencing_Icons_Science SCIENCE

Sciencing_icons_biology biology, sciencing_icons_cells cells, sciencing_icons_molecular molecular, sciencing_icons_microorganisms microorganisms, sciencing_icons_genetics genetics, sciencing_icons_human body human body, sciencing_icons_ecology ecology, sciencing_icons_chemistry chemistry, sciencing_icons_atomic & molecular structure atomic & molecular structure, sciencing_icons_bonds bonds, sciencing_icons_reactions reactions, sciencing_icons_stoichiometry stoichiometry, sciencing_icons_solutions solutions, sciencing_icons_acids & bases acids & bases, sciencing_icons_thermodynamics thermodynamics, sciencing_icons_organic chemistry organic chemistry, sciencing_icons_physics physics, sciencing_icons_fundamentals-physics fundamentals, sciencing_icons_electronics electronics, sciencing_icons_waves waves, sciencing_icons_energy energy, sciencing_icons_fluid fluid, sciencing_icons_astronomy astronomy, sciencing_icons_geology geology, sciencing_icons_fundamentals-geology fundamentals, sciencing_icons_minerals & rocks minerals & rocks, sciencing_icons_earth scructure earth structure, sciencing_icons_fossils fossils, sciencing_icons_natural disasters natural disasters, sciencing_icons_nature nature, sciencing_icons_ecosystems ecosystems, sciencing_icons_environment environment, sciencing_icons_insects insects, sciencing_icons_plants & mushrooms plants & mushrooms, sciencing_icons_animals animals, sciencing_icons_math math, sciencing_icons_arithmetic arithmetic, sciencing_icons_addition & subtraction addition & subtraction, sciencing_icons_multiplication & division multiplication & division, sciencing_icons_decimals decimals, sciencing_icons_fractions fractions, sciencing_icons_conversions conversions, sciencing_icons_algebra algebra, sciencing_icons_working with units working with units, sciencing_icons_equations & expressions equations & expressions, sciencing_icons_ratios & proportions ratios & proportions, sciencing_icons_inequalities inequalities, sciencing_icons_exponents & logarithms exponents & logarithms, sciencing_icons_factorization factorization, sciencing_icons_functions functions, sciencing_icons_linear equations linear equations, sciencing_icons_graphs graphs, sciencing_icons_quadratics quadratics, sciencing_icons_polynomials polynomials, sciencing_icons_geometry geometry, sciencing_icons_fundamentals-geometry fundamentals, sciencing_icons_cartesian cartesian, sciencing_icons_circles circles, sciencing_icons_solids solids, sciencing_icons_trigonometry trigonometry, sciencing_icons_probability-statistics probability & statistics, sciencing_icons_mean-median-mode mean/median/mode, sciencing_icons_independent-dependent variables independent/dependent variables, sciencing_icons_deviation deviation, sciencing_icons_correlation correlation, sciencing_icons_sampling sampling, sciencing_icons_distributions distributions, sciencing_icons_probability probability, sciencing_icons_calculus calculus, sciencing_icons_differentiation-integration differentiation/integration, sciencing_icons_application application, sciencing_icons_projects projects, sciencing_icons_news news.

• Share Tweet Email Print
• Home ⋅
• Science Fair Project Ideas for Kids, Middle & High School Students ⋅

What Are Some Good DNA Science Projects?

Extract Your Own DNA and More With These Awesome Science Kits

Deoxyribonucleic acid is an instruction or how-to manual for any genetic individual, including the human body. A complete set of these instructions for any organism is known as the genome, and DNA is not just found in humans. All living things including plants and bacteria contain DNA. Whether a student chooses to examine various aspects of human or animal examples of this material or discover more about plant and food DNA, the subject of deoxyribonucleic acid has enough variety and complexity to make it great for science projects.

What Makes a DNA Fingerprint Unique?

Human DNA is about 99.9 percent identical between any two people. It is also nearly identical to the DNA of chimpanzees. Even though the differences in human DNA are small, they are enough to give each person unique fingerprints. Testing unique DNA sequences to determine if they can make unique, individual fingerprints can be a good science project for fourth- to sixth-graders. Using an online random sequence generator, students can make or simulate DNA. They will use another online program to make fingerprints for each piece of DNA they have created. From these pieces of created DNA, students will be able to determine if DNA sequences are the same or unique.

Science Buddies http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/BioChem_p016.shtml?fave=no&isb=c2lkOjEsaWE6QmlvQ2hlbSxwOjEscmlkOjU1ODkxODA&from=TSW

Extracting Onion DNA

DNA is not found in humans or animals only, but in all organic tissue. Foods, like onions, have DNA as well. Getting DNA from an onion is a science project that has a difficulty level appropriate for fifth-graders. The procedure is relatively simple, making use of many items already in the house such as a blender, alcohol and a kitchen timer. Students will place chopped onion in a solution of table salt, distilled water, alcohol and dish-washing liquid or shampoo. Put this solution into hot water followed by cold water to reveal onion DNA. Because onions contain very little starch, the student will be able to clearly see the DNA they have extracted.

Science Buddies http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/BioChem_p001.shtml?fave=no&isb=c2lkOjEsaWE6QmlvQ2hlbSxwOjEscmlkOjU1ODkxODA&from=TSW

Build a DNA-Identifying Tool

Building a tool to identify DNA is a science project more attuned to seventh- through ninth-grade level study. The project involves building a gel electrophoresis chamber to compare molecules in food-coloring dye. Electrophoresis is the method scientists use to separate and see macromolecules such as DNA. Students will need stainless steel wire, nine-volt batteries, plastic foam and other supplies to build the chamber. Baking soda, food coloring, Agarose gel and other supplies will be needed to conduct the experiment. Students will place gel and food coloring in the chamber to determine how many macromolecules are in the dye and which dye goes through the gel fastest.

Science Buddies http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/BioChem_p028.shtml?fave=no&isb=c2lkOjEsaWE6QmlvQ2hlbSxwOjEscmlkOjU1ODkxODA&from=TSW

Related Articles

Extract your own dna and more with these awesome science..., gmo experiments, what are specific biotechnology applications for dna..., what materials can i use to make a dna model, what are the chemical names of the four macromolecules, how to make a dna model using pipe cleaners, how to make lego dna models, uses of dna extraction, how to get a trna sequence from a dna sequence, what does chemical analysis reveal about dna, science projects with dishwashing liquid, forensic science kits for your budding detective, interesting facts about dna fingerprinting, how to extract dna from oranges, how does an automatic dna sequencer work, everyday uses of biology, nucleic acid facts, what is used to cut dna at a specific location for..., when was dna testing first used, ideas for hard science fair projects.

• Science Buddies

About the Author

Serena Brown graduated from the University of South Alabama with a bachelor's degree in communication. She has more than 15 years of experience in newspaper, radio and television reporting. Brown has also authored educational, medical and fitness material.

Photo Credits

Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Find Your Next Great Science Fair Project! GO

100+ High School Science Fair Projects 

1. DNA Extraction: Extract DNA from fruits to explore genetics and the molecular structure of life.

2. Build a Hydroelectric Generator: Create a model that generates electricity from water to study renewable energy.

3. Robotics & AI: Build a basic robot and explore AI algorithms, testing automation and machine learning principles.

4. Biodegradable Plastics: Make and test biodegradable plastic alternatives to reduce environmental impact.

5. Food Preservation Techniques: Compare how different preservation methods affect food spoilage rates.

6. Microbial Fuel Cells: Create energy from bacteria in soil to investigate alternative bioenergy sources.

7. Cognitive Bias Testing: Design an experiment to test cognitive biases and human decision-making patterns.

8. Electromagnetic Rail Gun: Build a simple railgun to demonstrate electromagnetic propulsion principles.

9. Climate Change Impact on Plant Growth: Study the effects of temperature changes on plant health and growth.

10. Rocket Propulsion: Design and launch small rockets, experimenting with fuel types and propulsion methods.

For More Related Story Click For the Below 

Statanalytica

• Login | Register

Have 10% off on us on your first purchase - Use code NOW10

Free shipping for orders over $100

Available for dispatch within 2 days

Free gift with purchase of over $100

Check out with Paypal and Afterpay

Extract DNA

Follow FizzicsEd 150 Science Experiments:

You will need:

• 2 clear plastic cups
• wooden kebab stick or similar
• Methylated spirits
• ‘Chux’ wipe (kitchen cloth).
• Banana or strawberries
• Warm and cold water nearby
• Resealable plastic bag (eg. Zip-Loc TM )
• Rubber band (optional)

• Instruction

Peel a banana and place half of it into a resealable zip-loc bag and close the bag. You can also use another cup instead if you don’t have a zip-loc bag.

On a hard surface like a tabletop or kitchen counter, mush the banana in the bag for about a minute.

Fill a cup with a half cup of warm water, a teaspoon of salt and a half of a teaspoon detergent. Mix the contents gently, mashing the banana as much as possible. You do not want the mixture to become too foamy. The mechanical movement breaks apart the cell walls, the detergent breaks the cell membranes and the salt brings the DNA (Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid) into solution.

Place the bottom half of a filter cloth in a clear cup. The top part of the filter should be folded over the rim of the glass to keep it in place. You can use a rubber band to secure the cloth, or simply hold it in place with one hand. Gently push down with your hand in the middle of the cloth to form an indentation.

“Strained crushed banana for DNA extraction… just needs methylated spirits”

Carefully pour the contents of the bag into the filter made out of a kitchen cloth and let it sit for several minutes until all of the liquid has dripped down into the cup. (You can now throw out the filter and its mushy contents).

“Methylated spirits precipitating DNA out of banana solution “

With the help of an adult, tilt the cup and slowly pour the methylated spirits down the side of the cup until there is a layer that is 2.5 to 5 centimetres thick. You want to keep the alcohol and the liquefied banana as separate as possible, so perform this step slowly. The methylated spirits precipitates the DNA out of solution.

You should see what looks like fine white threads suspended between the two layers of liquid. This is precipitated DNA!

Stick the wooden skewer into the cup and stir the boundary layer between the two liquids. Spin the wooden skewer in place so that cloudy layer spools around it. Remove the stirrer and capture some of the stringy middle layer on your stirrer. The substance that you see on the stirrer is DNA!

Try this another time with cold water to see if there is a difference in the amount of DNA your extract (variable testing!)

School science visits since 2004!

– Curriculum-linked & award-winning incursions.

– Over 40 primary & high school programs to choose from.

– Designed by experienced educators.

– Over 2 million students reached.

– Face to face incursions & online programs available.

– Early learning centre visits too!

Online courses for teachers & parents

– Help students learn how science really works

Why does this DNA extraction work?

Through this procedure, you were able to extract the separate strands of DNA out of nuclei of the banana cells. The detergent broke apart the cellular membranes and the salt binds to the DNA to make it less able to remain soluble in water (it neutralizes the charge of the DNA and it is less able to bind to water). Once the DNA was in the banana solution, you were able to use methylated spirits to precipitate DNA out of the solution as DNA is insoluble in alcohol-based solutions.

Facebook Live video on extracting DNA

Join us on our Facebook site for live science!

https://www.facebook.com/fizzicseducation/videos/305920097006437/

Basics background information on DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) was first identified and isolated by Friedrich Miescher in 1871, and the double helix structure of DNA was first discovered by James Watson and Francis Crick, using experimental data collected by Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins. DNA is found in the nucleus of living cells and it is this complex chemical that codes for how living things grow and function, with this code being transferred to subsequent generations.

DNA has a basic structure of a sugar-phosphate backbone with 4 base pairs that alternate through the middle of the helix. The standard picture you see is a helical structure as below, however, there are several ways the DNA helix is known to spiral, including left and right-handed versions.

DNA model: Red = Ribose sugar, White = Phospate Pink, Blue, Yellow and Green = the Base pairs (Guanine/Cytosine & Adenine/Thymine)

There are 4 base pairs within DNA which always pair the same way, Guanine binds with Cytosine and Adenine binds with Thymine. The amazing thing about DNA is that it’s the alternating base pairs that creates the genetic code of every known living thing, from a butterfly to an elephant. Segments, or pieces, of DNA are called “genes”. Each gene determines something about our bodies—a trait. In our DNA there are genes that are responsible for hair colour, eye colour, earlobe shape and so on. Some characteristics, like eye colour, are more or less determined directly by DNA whereas other traits are determined both by DNA and by your environment as you grow up such as how tall or short you become as an adult (due to potential differences in diet). DNA is constantly maintained in cells by a number of enzymes, allowing for insertion errors and random mutations to be removed however not all of these are caught and as such the DNA slowly changes over time (helping to cause aging in the process).

Every human share 99 percent of his or her DNA with every other person, most likely due to a major event that nearly brought the human species of the brink of extinction thousands of years ago. We share most of our genes with fellow primates such as chimpanzees and with other mammals such as mice. We even have genes in common with the banana plant!

Further reading

Genetics is a very complex subject and a simple DNA extraction experiment is only just starting the journey! We recommend you spend some time reading up on some extra sites to further your knowledge:

Article on Journal of Nature (high school and university level but great overview)

Learn genetics

10 quick facts about DNA

DNA structure

Learn more!

From the 5 senses to the skeletal system , we’ve got your health & human body unit of work covered! Get in touch with FizzicsEd to find out how we can work with your class.

Years 3 to 6

Maximum 30 students

School workshop (NSW only)

60 or 90 minutes

Online Class Available

DNA Shirt (M)

Teacher professional learning - one hour.

You don't have to 'squeeze science in', make science part of every lesson, even art and craft! This hands on workshop is designed for teachers interested in integrating creative science experiments into the Australian science curriculum.

Be Amazing! How to teach science, the way primary kids love.

Love science subscribe.

Receive more lesson plans and fun science ideas.

SCIENCE PARTIES

Calendar of events.

HIGH SCHOOL Science@Home 4-Week Membership 12PM: March 2024

Price: $50 - $900

PRIMARY Science@Home 4-Week Membership 2PM: March 2024

Light and Colour Online Workshop, Jan 18 PM

Light and colour online workshop, jan 18 am.

Lego Robotics, Sydney Olympic Park Jan 2024

Creative Coding, Sydney Olympic Park Jan 2024

Creative Coding, Sydney Olympic Park July 11 2023

Price: $100

Fizzics Education STEAM Day: Robots vs Dinosaurs, Lalor, Apr 14

Price: $45 - $50

Creative Coding, Sydney Olympic Park April 14 2023

Science@home after school 4-week membership: march 2023.

Price: $40 - $1200

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

School Comments View All

Fizzics Education curated a thoughtful and hands-on experience for the children, incorporating practical, skill-based learning activities and followed by a science presentation at the end of the event involving liquid nitrogen. This was delivered safely and effectively, capturing both the children and the parents for the duration of the presentation.

Fizzics Education ran a show today at our school and it was wonderful. He was a great facilitator and the show was age appropriate and well done.

I just wanted to pass on how much the staff and students really enjoyed it and how perfect it was to launch our science week activities. The students were enthralled, educated and entertained – a perfect trifecta!

Thanks so much for presenting at our school on Monday. Our students enjoyed the show.

Fizzics Education Awards

• Free Resources

Free Chemistry Book! Sign-up to our newsletter and receive a free book!

Female Accountant Apply Here

Physics teacher apply here, science teacher apply here, view all vacancies, join our team apply here.

Send us an Email at [email protected]

Phone Number: 1300 856 828

Email: [email protected], address: unit 10/55 fourth ave blacktown, nsw 2148, australia.

• Privacy & Legal Policy
• Copyright Notice
• Terms of Trade
• Cookie Policy

Copyright 2024 Fizzics Education . All rights reserved.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy .

Get more science with our newsletter!

Thank you for looking to subscribing to our newsletter 🙂 Through this service you’ll be first to know about the newest free experiments, science news and special offers.

PLUS: Get a free Kitchen Chemistry Booklet with >20 experiments, how to use variables plus a handy template!

Click the image to preview

Please select an ebook!

Kids Edition

Parent Edition

Teacher Edition

Please fill out the details below and an email will be sent to you. Once you get that just click on the link to confirm your subscription and you're all done!

First Name *

Last Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number

Subscribe as a Teacher?

Preschool Teacher

Primary Teacher

High School Teacher

Vacation Care or Library

Subscribe as a Parent?

Enquiry Form

Extra things, products that might interest you.

Rainbow Fireworks Glasses

Magic Crystal Tree Science Kit

Helicopter Spiral Top

Fly Back Glider

• Grade Level

Where are you located?

• New South Wales
• Australian Capital Territory

Location not listed?

Which grade level are you teaching.

• Whole School
• Teacher Professional Development
• Special School Events
• Early Childhood
• Kindergarten

Which broad syllabus outcome you want to teach?

What is the age range of the attendee?

• Age 5 and up
• Age 6 and up
• Age 7 and up
• Age 8 and up
• Age 9 and up
• Age 10 and up
• Age 11 and up
• Age 12 and up

General Enquiry Form

Check if you require a live online class.

Subscribe for special offers & receive free resources?

How did you hear about us?

Choose a program *

Choose from school show *

* Please select a value!

* Please add a value!

Date required *

Time required *

18 Must-Try Science Experiments for High School: From Basic Chemistry to Complex Reactions

P5 have been looking at changes of state in science, and today investigated the water cycle! We did an experiment with water & food colouring in a plastic bag to see if we could see any changes, and noticed signs of evaporation and condensation inside the bag @SLC_RAiSE #Science pic.twitter.com/cla3opitiT — Burgh Primary School (@BurghPrimary) October 25, 2023

Experiment 1: Investigating Osmosis with Potato Slices

Experiment 2: making a homemade volcano, experiment 3: exploring density with oil and water, experiment 4: building a simple electric motor.

High school students possess an innate curiosity, constantly seeking to understand the world around them. Dive deep into the captivating realm of electromagnetism with this enlightening project, revealing the intricate process that enables an electric motor to effortlessly transform electrical impulses into tangible mechanical movements. As students embark on this hands-on journey, they’ll gain an intimate appreciation for the underlying principles that power much of today’s technology.

Experience the mesmerizing magnificence of an electric motor as this video unravels the mystery behind its seamless conversion of electrical energy into mechanical power. Unlock the inner workings of this wonder machine in the science projects for high school.