All living things have DNA, from humans to apple trees to bacteria. When you study the structure of DNA, it can get pretty complicated. Luckily, we can use simple models to show what a single strand of DNA looks like
If your understanding of DNA is a bit unclear, watch the short video below before building your model(s).
Origami DNA Model
Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures. Use the templates and instructional video below to help you build an origami model of DNA's double helix structure.
Candy DNA Model
Use the step-by step instructions provided in the "Have your DNA & Eat it Too" link below to build your own DNA model. Practice labeling the parts of the DNA as you go (backbone, A, C, T, and G).
Note: You can substitute different food items depending on what you have available. For the DNA bases, any soft or gummy food/candy with at least four different colors will work (e.g., jelly beans, gummy bears, starburst, etc.). For the backbone, anything similar to licorice would work. Alternatively, you could use art supplies (e.g., beads and pipe cleaners).