Inside DNA is all about our health, our identity and our evolution. It is a unique exhibition aiming to engage the public in current and future UKbased human molecular genetics and genomics research, providing the tools to enable them to explore the issues that recent developments have raised.

Designed to provoke questions and stimulate debate, Inside DNA delves into ethical questions such as whether genetic testing will lead to discrimination, who will benefit most from genetic medicines, and the role of DNA databases. The exhibition is accompanied by associated learning and engagement programmes. Inside DNA contains contemporary materials and experiences, with frequently updated content to coincide with significant developments in genomics research throughout the five years of the project.

Target audiences

Inside DNA is designed to attract visitors from a wide range of backgrounds and will be readily accessible to adults and to school students aged 14-19. It supports the curriculum at KS3, KS4 and Post-16, including aspects of How Science Works. It is particularly relevant for students of Science, Citizenship, PSHE, Applied Science, Biology, Human Biology and Science for Public Understanding. A simple trail which picks out exhibits relevent to KS2 students can be downloaded by clicking here .

The Inside DNA exhibition zones

Inside DNA – an introduction: How is our current knowledge of the structure, function and interactions of the human genome changing our understanding of human biology? How much DNA do we have? And how can different genetic mutations affect an organism?

Human identity: The study of contemporary genetics is helping to identify similarities and differences between us, but what are the personal and forensic applications of this knowledge? Here people can discover how many other visitors to the exhibition have the same genetic traits, or investigate a murder by profiling the evidence at the crime scene.

Genes and health: There is great potential for applying contemporary genetics in medicine in order to help us better identify, understand and treat disease. Find out about the tests available to screen for genetic disorders, discuss the ethical questions raised by pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, or design and test your own medicines.

Human evolution: How did humans evolve, and what are the similarities and differences between ourselves and other primates? Learn how early humans migrated across the world, or find out about the distribution of surnames across the UK.

Dialogue zone: News and Views pods allow visitors to find out about the latest genomic research, vote on a variety of questions, and leave their thoughts behind. There is also an area with questions on issues being discussed by the government’s advisory body, the Human Genetics Commission (HGC). The results of these questions will be compiled and sent to the HGC at regular intervals, to feed into their discussions.

Additional pre-bookable activities

These last upto 75 minutes and are available as part of a visit to Intech at £3.50 plus VAT per student  or in schools. Workshops and discussion sessions last approximately 75 minutes and are available for pre-booked groups at Intech at £3.50 plus VAT per pupil or in schools at £200 plus VAT for 3 sessions . 

Intech will also be offering Hands-on DNA:Bacterial Evolution workshops. Students step into the role of a clinical bacteriologist and use research-grade laboratory equipment to investigate DNA samples from new outbreaks of bacterial disease, comparing them to reference samples. Will the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria in question cause a mild case of strep throat or a potentially deadly episode of necrotising fasciitis? Students use restriction enzyme digests and gel electrophoresis to analyze the DNA and additional activities are included to reinforce learning about DNA, restriction enzymes and evolution. At the end of the workshop, students look at the DNA evidence, decide what advice to give their colleagues at the scene of the outbreak and whether their outbreak samples need further investigation. These workshops are aimed at KS4 students and last 2.5 hours. (please contact us for more details).

Discussion Topics

Workshop Activities

Background to the project

Inside DNA was developed by At-Bristol on behalf of Ecsite-uk, with funding from the Wellcome Trust and support from the Sanger Institute. The funding has been provided to further the Wellcome Trust’s mission to foster and promote research with the aim of improving human and animal health.

At 4:30pm on 25th January 2012, and 22nd February 2012. Please call 01962 863791 or email janeking@intech-uk.com for further details and to book your place.

Inside DNA supports the curriculum at KS3, KS4 and Post-16, including aspects of How Science Works. It is particularly relevant for students of Science, Citizenship, PSHE, Applied Science, Biology, Human Biology and Science for Public  Understanding 

 

For further infomation and supporting classroom resouces please see www.insidedna.org.uk

Learn fascinating facts about your chromosomes using the genome explore  here.

Find out how many other people have the same hair, eye and skin colour as you here.

Search through one family's health history by exploring their family tree here.

 Inside DNA exhibition virtual tour