LSUHSC CELEBRATES DNA DAY WITH HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES AT THE ZOO

Event Date: Friday, April 15, 2011

Location: The Earth Lab in the Audubon Zoo

Cost: There is no cost for this event

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Description: The Department of Genetics at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans will celebrate National DNA Day Friday April 15, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon with hands-on experiments at the Earth Lab in the Audubon Zoo. While you’re at the Zoo, also check out the opening celebration for Cool Zoo, a new wet and wild splash park, at 10:30 a.m.

National DNA Day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the discovery of the double helix of DNA in 1953. It is a unique day when students, teachers and the public can learn more about genetics. LSUHSC geneticists will be on hand at the zoo to teach students, teachers and the general public how to isolate, make and color DNA using various techniques (among other things).

“We organized the DNA Day event with the goal of making the public aware of the importance of DNA and genetics in our everyday lives,” notes LSUHSC’s Dr. Fern Tsien. “Everyone is encouraged to participate in the activities, which will be both fun and educational. Kids will learn as they perform hands-on experiments using safe ingredients found at home. Parents and teachers will benefit from learning interactive projects that they can use at home or in the classroom.”