ESP Biography

Ever wonder what your DNA looks like, up-close and personal? DNA is the most important molecule in our bodies, but we rarely stop and think about what the 6 billion letters of DNA in our genomes are really doing! In this class, you’ll get the inside scoop on DNA: what it looks like, how it copies itself, how changes in DNA can happen, and how scientists study DNA in the lab. We’ll also talk about some bioethical concerns that accompany our growing knowledge of DNA. We’ll debate tough questions, like: Do scientists have the right to patent DNA? Should we create synthetic life just because we can? Do we need to worry about genetically modified foods? Come discuss these DNA dilemmas with fellow students and some real life scientists. And best of all, you’ll isolate your own DNA and get to take it home with you, a test-tube full of the DNA blueprint that makes each of us who we are!

Ever wonder what your DNA looks like, up-close and personal? DNA is the most important molecule in our bodies, but we rarely stop and think about what the 6 billion letters of DNA in our genomes are really doing! In this class, you’ll get the inside scoop on DNA: what it looks like, how it copies itself, how changes in DNA can happen, and how scientists study DNA in the lab. We’ll also talk about some bioethical “strings” that accompany our growing knowledge of DNA. We’ll debate tough questions, like: Do scientists have the right to patent DNA? Should we create synthetic life just because we can? Do we need to worry about genetically modified foods? Come discuss these DNA dilemmas with fellow students and some real life scientists. And best of all, you’ll isolate your own DNA and get to take it home with you, a test-tube full of the DNA blueprint that makes each of us who we are!