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Cell Explorers Activities for 2022/2023

The following workshops are offered by the Cell Explorers team and can be facilitated in DkIT or in your school. The SFI funded Cell Explorers programme here at DkIT is co-ordinated by Suzanne Linnane and Caroline Gilleran Stephens and has a number of exciting hands-on workshops available.

Fantastic DNA

Fantastic DNA! is a primary school outreach session involving activities based on the topic of DNA. The Cell EXPLORERS Fantastic DNA! School Roadshow is funded by a Science Foundation Ireland Discover award, which allows the DkIT Cell EXPLORERS team led by Suzanne and Caroline to visit schools in their localities.

During the session, the children get to do an experiment following a protocol and using equipment brought into the classroom, just as a scientist would do in a lab. In this way the Fantastic DNA! Roadshow allows the children to experience what it is like to work as a scientist. We also introduce the children to important biological concepts such as cells being the basic unit of life and DNA as the instruction book for the cell. 

This session is aimed at senior cycle primary school children (designed for 5th & 6th class, adapted for 3rd & 4th).

For more information please check out our website at www.cellexplorers.com/fantasticdna

H20 Heroes

Fantastic DNA in a Box

Fantastic DNA in a box is a classroom kit, complete with both materials and resources, that allows pupils/students in your class to extract DNA from a banana individually. You can either run this activity yourself in your classroom, guided by our downloadable resources, or you also have the option of inviting 1-2 Cell Explorers scientists to remotely facilitate the experimental steps through a secure Zoom connection on the day of the experiment. 

With the help of the box's pre-packaged materials, video instructions & optional online support, teachers can set up this session with ease and run a discussion on science, scientists, Cells & DNA as well as facilitate a hands-on DNA extraction in their classroom.

This session is aimed at senior cycle primary school children (designed for 5th & 6th class, adapted for 3rd & 4th). Fantastic DNA in a Box is funded by a Science Foundation Ireland Discover award.

For more information please check out our website at www.cellexplorers.com/fantasticdnainabox

Little Cells

Little Cells is an interactive session that introduces children in the junior cycle of primary school (5 - 8 years old) to the concept of cells that make up our body. Little Cells is funded by a Science Foundation Ireland Discover award, which allows the DkIT Cell EXPLORERS team led by Suzanne and Caroline to visit schools in their localities.

This exciting session helps children to discover the basic components of a cell and their role in the cell’s life, through interactive play and hands on projects. 

The session makes use of a presentation as well as visual and tactile games. In the last part of the session, the children will create their very own type of cell from jumping clay and will be able to take it home. 

For more information please check out our website www.cellexplorers.com