Cracking the genetic code
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Audience
Secondary school -
Learning stage
Stage 4, Stage 5 -
Learning area
Science, Technology -
Type
Museum educator-led
© Australian Museum
About the program
In this hands-on workshop, students will explore how genetic information is transferred in DNA and watch how it can be extracted for genetic analysis. Students will also learn about the important research conducted in the Australian Museum Research Institute and will complete their own investigation to determine how DNA can be used to compare and identify species.
The programs and resources have been specially designed or sourced to enable group work, hands-on experiences, exploration and open-ended questioning, which foster collaboration and critical thinking.
The program will be facilitated by a Museum educator, and we strongly encourage teacher, parent and guardian participation.
Learning objectives:
In this program students will:
- observe models and describe the structure of DNA.
- learn about the Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics and their role in species identification, conservation, wildlife investigations and small population management.
- investigate how DNA is used to identify species.
- conduct an experiment to isolate and extract genetic material from a sample.
Audience: This program is bookable for Stages 4-5.
Cost: $10 (GST included) per student with a minimum cost of $100 per session.
Duration: 60 minutes
Capacity: Up to 30 students per session
Term: Term 4, 2025, Terms 1-4 2026
Dates: Monday-Friday
Times: 10am, 11:00am, 12:15pm & 1:15pm
A Day at the Museum for disadvantaged schools
If you are classified as a disadvantaged Australian primary and/or secondary school with an ICSEA value of less than 1000, or a special school, as defined by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) you may be eligible for our A Day at the Museum program.
NSW Syllabus (for the Australian curriculum)
Stage 4
Science Years 7-10 Syllabus
A student:
Working scientifically:
- uses scientific tools and instruments for observations SC4-WS-01
- identifies questions and makes predictions to guide scientific investigations SC4-WS-02
- follows a planned procedure to undertake safe and valid investigations SC4-WS-04
Content
- describes the unique features of cells in living things and how structural features can be used to classify organisms SC4-CLS-01
Stage 5
Science Years 7-10 Syllabus
A student:
Working scientifically:
- selects and uses scientific tools and instruments for accurate observations SC5-WS-01
- develops questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation SC5-WS-02
- selects and uses a range of tools to process and represent data SC5-WS-05
- analyses data from investigations to identify trends, patterns and relationships, and draws conclusions SC5-WS-06
Content
- explains how DNA is responsible for the transmission of heritable characteristics and can be manipulated through genetic technologies SC5-GEV-02
Any changes to numbers or cancellations must be made in writing by emailing group.bookings@australian.museum before the date for Final Confirmation (14 days prior to your visit).
Final booking numbers must be confirmed at least 14 days prior to the scheduled visit.
A tax invoice will be issued prior to your visit based on Final Confirmation details.
A tax invoice based on Final Confirmation details will be issued prior to your visit or session.
Please advise at the time of booking if the tax invoice needs to be issued to a different contact name or email address. NSW Department of Education schools that use the EDConnect payment system should advise this at time of booking and provide a purchase order number if required.
Our payment terms are net 14 days. However, it is the AM’s strong preference that bookings be paid in full prior to the visit.
Adjustments on the day – the AM will adjust the invoice amount and you must pay the difference where:
i) Group numbers increase from Final Confirmation numbers; or
ii) the Group changes to a more expensive booking/ticket.
The adjusted invoice payment terms are net 14 days. To be clear, where numbers are less than Final Confirmation numbers, no deductions or refunds will be given.
For information about your excursion, arrival to the Museum and available facilities, visit our School groups page.
