Celebrate DNA Day Every April 25
DNA Day celebrates DNA and all the advances that understanding its structure has made possible.
We celebrate on April 25 because it was on that date in 1953 that James Watson, Frances Crick, and their colleagues published the structure of DNA in the journal Nature (PDF)
In April 2003 the Human Genome Project was declared as complete as it could be. So DNA Day also celebrates that achievement.
The very first DNA Day was on April 25, 2003, celebrated by proclamation of the U.S. House and Senate.
At the time it was intended to be a one-time celebration. Congress did not declare it an annual holiday.
But the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) has organized DNA Day celebrations every year since. The celebrations weren’t always on the 25th, but other groups have declared the date International or World DNA Day.
So lets celebrate our DNA on April 25.
Canadians, note: Canada has its own DNA Day, on April 21. Canada’s DNA Day is a collaboration between Let’s Talk Science and Genome Alberta.
Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this unofficially scientific holiday.
Ideas For Celebrating DNA Day
According to the day’s official website, activities for this day should center on learning more about genetics and genomics.
For 2015 it also appears that at least some celebrations were held on Friday, April 24. Probably so teachers could celebrate the day in their classrooms.
Teachers may want to consider doing the DNA Day Pinterest Challenge with their students. Explore the rest of the Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code website for more ways to get your students interested in genetics and genomics.
High school teachers, encourage your students to enter the DNA Day Essay Contest. This contest ends before DNA Day, so if you’re too late for this year, keep it in mind for next year.
There’s even a scientific conference, the World DNA and Genome Day conference. If you work in the genomics field, this might be something you’d like to check out.
If you want to keep up to date on DNA Day happenings, you can also follow its Facebook page and Twitter stream.
Want to learn more about DNA and genetics? Here are a few books you might find interesting.
- DNA: Family History Genealogy and Ancestry Research Through DNA Testing
- DNA: The Secret of Life
- Guide to DNA Testing: How to Identify Ancestoers, Confirm Relationships and Measure Ethnic Ancestry through DNA Testing
For kids showing an interest in biology, consider Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA. The book suggests it’s suitable for ages 12-15.
Your budding geneticist might also be interested in building a DNA model kit.
Not so much interested in how DNA works but think the structure looks cool? You could always wear DNA Double Helix earrings! Or get a pair for your favorite geneticist.
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