This DNA lesson plan for Year 6 explores DNA and how it affects our genetic makeup and who we are.

The download includes two articles from Whizz Pop Bang magazine to use during the lesson:

• The Tree of Life – exploring family trees
• My Amazing Life – about scientist Gregor Mendel, who spent years experimenting to discover the basic laws of genetics

There’s also a make-your-own model DNA activity. For this you’ll need straws, tape and florist wire. There’s even an adapted version of the lesson plan for the Scottish curriculum.

National curriculum links

• Recognise that living things produce offspring of the same kind, but normally offspring vary and are not identical to their parents

DNA lesson plan learning objective

• Create a model of DNA and explain what it is

Whizz Pop Bang is an award-winning science magazine that brings science to life for children aged 6-12.

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