Bring DNA to life with a workshop
Why is everybody different? How do our bodies work? How come I inherited my grandfather's nose? How can police catch criminals? What is DNA anyway?
As friendly little characters, the Dinky Amigos can introduce children to the science of DNA in an easy-to-understand manner, answering the questions above so that everyone gets it.
As chemically correct representations, the actual biology and chemistry of the subject is not lost, just hidden.
With the introduction to the National Curriculum of Evolution and Inheritance as a topic at the upper end of Key Stage 2, the Dinky Amigos are well placed to help. They represent an extremely soft introduction to DNA - the unit of Inheritance and thus the driver of Evolution. But long before that, the Dinky Amigos can bring fun and understanding of DNA science to a younger audience.
Presented by a female scientist, a Dinky Amigos workshop covers not only the basics but also exposes children to a Women in STEM role model.
Why should older children have all the fun?!
The Early Science Sessions concentrates on some of the science inside us, taking a very basic look at the organs which help us to lead a healthy, happy life.
Leaning in to a child’s natural curiosity, the use of real science equipment stimulates interest and encourages use of fine motor skills.
Suitable for EYFS, KS1
Evolution is not a process to be undertaken lightly. For a start it takes ages. Then there are the trade offs – why can’t we fly as well as swim and walk? The answers are all in your DNA and the environment you live in. We investigate inheritance, variation, adaption and ultimately evolution – all using some of the same jargon that scientists insist on using.
The workshops introduce an age-appropriate understanding of evolution as a process and explore the uses and implications of variation and adaptation within that process.
Suitable for years 5, 6 and 7
A heinous chocolate heist has been committed on the school grounds. Will our DNA evidence lead to the culprit?
Suitable for all key stages and closely linked to subjects on the National Curriculum, these workshops introduce scientific vocabulary and age-appropriate explanations of the science involved.
Forensics workshops are currently only available in person.
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